UK invests in offshore wind farms

Brussels, 13 Mar 2003

The UK is to build two new offshore wind farms which will provide 180,000 homes with environmentally friendly electricity.

The announcement follows the publication of a White Paper on energy in February, which outlined plans for a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Increased investment in wind power and other forms of renewable energy was highlighted in the paper as having a key role in meeting the goal.

'As the most commercially viable renewable power source, it is vital that we harness the energy of the wind both on and offshore now,' said UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson. 'These wind farms will play an important role in reaching our challenging White Paper targets,' he added.

Some 60 new turbines will be divided between two locations in the Thames Estuary and the Irish Sea.

For further information, please contact the UK's Department of Trade and Industry:
Tel: +44 20 7215 5000

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