This year has seen a record-breaking amount of new UK offshore wind capacity installed, according to new figures from Renewable UK. The figures on the industry body’s database shows that more than 2GW of offshore windfarms became operational in UK waters during 2018. Eight new offshore windfarms were officially opened during the year, bringing the annual total of new capacity to 2,121 MW– nearly double the previous annual record of 1,154 MW in 2012. And this near-doubling of record capacity was achieved with just 18 per cent more turbines than were installed in 2012. A total of 367 turbines were installed this year compared to 309 turbines in 2012, which Renewable UK said underlined the “impressive growth” in turbine power. Since 2012, the average capacity of an offshore turbine has grown over 50 per cent from 3.7MW to 5.8MW. The new projects opened this year included the world’s largest operational offshore windfarm, Walney Extension (659MW), Rampion (400MW) and Race Bank (573MW), as well as the world’s second floating offshore windfarm at Kincardine in Scottish waters.
Edie 18th Dec 2018 read more »
Future Potential for Offshore Wind in Wales.
Welsh Government (accessed) 18th Dec 2018 read more »
A Yorkshire-based firm has landed a contract to surpass £20m of projects in the offshore wind energy sector. Hobson & Porter has been awarded the multi-million pound contract to construct the Aura Innovation Centre at Hessle’s Bridgehead Business Park for the University of Hull. The contract marks more than £20m of projects delivered by Hobson & Porter in the sector. The Aura Innovation Centre will be a purpose-built facility that provides large businesses and SMEs with the space to collaborate and innovate to deliver low-carbon energy and clean growth. Its aim is to foster innovation and research to address challenges faced by the offshore wind and low-carbon energy industries.
Bdaily 18th Dec 2018 read more »