A major offshore wind farm devised by Swindon-based RWE Innogy UK 13 years ago has moved a step closer to coming on stream.
The electrical system for the Triton Knoll scheme – one of the UK’s largest planned offshore wind farms – has been approved, paving the way for it to move to the next stage of its development. 
The 900MW Triton Knoll project off the East Coast has the potential to power 800,000 homes. The £4bn scheme could also create 1,900 jobs for the Humber area during its construction and, if given the green light, could start producing electricity by 2020.
A joint venture between Swindon-based RWE Innogy UK and Norwegian state-owned Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, it could have up to 288 turbines in an area 33km (20 miles) off the Lincolnshire coast.
The Development Consent Order (DCO) for its electrical system was granted by Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Greg Clark earlier this month.
The electrical system will include onshore and offshore cables, a compound to provide voltage stability and compensate for electrical losses, and an onshore substation near the point the cables connect to the grid.
RWE and Statkraft are now expected to bid for a price support contract in the government’s upcoming auction for offshore wind Contracts for Difference.
RWE Innogy head of offshore investment and asset management Richard Sandford said: “Innogy is delighted that the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, has seen fit to stand firmly behind Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm, reaffirming the government’s clear commitment to offshore renewables.
“Innogy has remained committed to Triton Knoll for nearly 13 years, convinced of its potential to be the most cost competitive offshore wind farm in UK waters, and one of the strongest opportunities for low cost, secure, home grown energy for UK consumers.
“The wind farm has a clear and genuine aspiration to deliver jobs, investment and new skills opportunities into the East Coast region, and we look forward to its progress.”
Energy sector and planning law experts from Bristol-headquartered law firm Burges Salmon advised RWE Innogy.
