The UK has taken an important step towards a clean energy future with approval for a wind farm off the coast of Rampion 2.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband today announced the decision, granting permission for the Rampion 2 Project Plan as part of the government’s plan of change.
Ambitious offshore wind power generation off the Sussex Coast will generate 1.2GW of renewable electricity.
Miliband added: “In Britain there is an infinite supply of wind that cannot be turned on and off at the whims of the dictator or Petrostate.
“It’s time to get off the fossil fuel roller coaster, deploy clean power, protect energy security, and defeat bills forever.
Create jobs and promote economic growth
Beyond the benefits of the environment, the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm will be a major driver of job creation.
The developer estimates that building 90 offshore turbines will result in around 4,000 jobs, providing a much-needed economic boost while moving forward in the UK’s clean energy sector.
Accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition
With the approval of the Rampion 2, the UK is closer to its goal of providing 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
With this project in place, the country is currently within 4GW, a lower target range set in the Clean Power Action Plan.
The government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy projects has been approved since July, reinforcing its willingness to expand green energy infrastructure at an unprecedented pace.
New laws to quickly track clean energy projects
The approval of Rampion 2 follows the introduction of a planning and infrastructure bill designed to promote the development of renewable energy projects.
The bill aims to streamline grid connections and accelerate the approval process for wind and solar farms, ensuring the UK is quick to move to homemade, low-carbon electricity.
By prioritizing renewable energy infrastructure, the government is trying to provide long-term energy security while reducing household bills.
A growing portfolio of renewable energy projects
Since July, the government has approved several large-scale energy infrastructure projects, including solar farms such as Cottam (600MW), Heckington Fen (500MW), and Sunnica (250MW).
Additionally, the latest renewable energy auction round, including Hornsea 3, Europe’s largest offshore wind project, has secured new offshore wind capacity of nearly 5GW.
The momentum behind the UK’s renewable energy transition continues to grow, with Rampion 2 marking another milestone in the country’s journey to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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