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Eon has unveiled its final plan for the 400MW Rampion offshore windfarm situated off the Sussex coast.
The project is set to be the first windfarm off the south coast of England after receiving consent from the energy secretary in July this year.
The planned 72km2 windfarm will have 116 turbines, each measuring 140 metres tall. Eon expects the windfarm to reduce carbon emissions by 600,000 tonnes a year.
The company carried out extensive on and offshore engineering surveys and considered commercial and environmental issues raised by stakeholders during the planning application process before finalising its plans for the windfarm.
Eon development manager for the Rampion windfarm, Chris Tomlinson said: “Our final proposed windfarm design seeks to optimise the scheme in the best seabed conditions as part of our continuing drive to reduce the costs of offshore wind.”
Friends of the Earth spokesperson, Chris Todd said: “We welcome the fact that Eon has altered the size and layout of the windfarm which will dramatically reduce the visual impact from the Heritage Coast and the wider South Downs.”
The changes to the plans were also well received by Shoreham Port development director, Peter Davies, who added that the alterations “ensure the port’s future as Rampion will no longer affect its anchorage and will maintain straight passage for ships into and out of the port.”
A final timetable for construction is yet to be finalised, but there is expected to be a two year onshore construction period.
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