Plans Could See Rampion Wind Farm Double In Size

Rampion has announced plans that could see their wind farm off the coast of Sussex double in size.

RWE Renewables say they could potentially provide clean, renewable electricity to over a million homes as well as creating jobs and investment.

They added that the project could reduce carbon emissions by around 1.8 million tonnes per year.

A "Scoping Request" was submitted by the company to the Planning Inspectorate in July, indicating an area that could accommodate up to 116 more wind turbines and identifying a route that would connect the project to the National Grid.

They're currently conducting environmental and technical surveys to determine the best design for the development and plan to engage with local communities and stakeholders over the next few months before holding a formal consultation next year.

The proposal for Rampion 2 follows a target set by the government to deliver over a third of UK electricity from Offshore Wind by 2030, up from 10% today. RWE Renewables say that the Rampion 2 could make a significant contribution to this target.

Development and Stakeholder Manager for the project Chris Tomlinson said:

“The UK leads the world in offshore wind and the government is committed to quadrupling our offshore wind capacity to 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. Offshore wind is now cheaper than gas, nuclear and coal and creates tens of thousands of jobs. Rampion 2 is an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to this important target and tackle climate change.”

“The Rampion 2 team is assessing an ‘Area of Search’ of over 300km²  to help inform and shape the preferred layout and scale of the wind farm and its associated cable route.  This includes technical onshore and offshore surveys and studies as well as engaging with local community stakeholders, so that we can bring forward draft proposals for formal public consultation next year.”

“Rampion is the only wind farm off the south coast of England and this densely populated region is where much of the electricity demand is concentrated. As we start the consultation process for Rampion 2, we are keen to work with local stakeholders, communities and businesses to further strengthen the relationships we’ve already built up in the area during the original Rampion project as well as working with many new communities.”

RWE Renewables has stated that they'll use what they've learned from the current farm to "ensure best practice and maximise the positive environmental and economic benefits."

A poll taken in 2018 showed 85% of the public supported the wind farm, post-construction.