VIPs at official switch-on of Barrow offshore windfarm
Last updated at 15:57, Monday, 24 September 2012
WET weather failed to put a dampener on the official opening of a major offshore windfarm.
Vattenfall’s 30-turbine 150 megawatt Ormonde Offshore Windfarm, off Barrow, was officially inaugurated yesterday by the European energy firm’s CEO and President Øystein Løseth.
More than 150 guests joined MP for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock and Mr Løseth, aboard the MV Balmoral to see the event.
The windfarm marked a £500m investment by the firm – a third of which went to British business.
Mr Løseth said: “Ormonde Offshore Windfarm is one of the most innovative operational offshore windfarms in the world and we believe it provides a glimpse into the future of offshore wind in Europe.
“The lessons we have learned and the innovation we have demonstrated in the harsh environment of the Irish Sea will help deliver the safe, productive and low cost offshore wind schemes of the future.
“And we have done that with some great British companies. We are also immensely proud of our achievements in the Barrow area.
“Vattenfall is keen to do what it can to support initiatives that help the region capture the benefits of investment in offshore wind.”
Work on the windfarm got under way in 2010 and the first power was generated in August last year.
Mr Woodcock said: “We are proud to have one of the world’s most innovative and advanced renewable energy schemes associated with Barrow.
“It is a welcome boost to the local and regional economy and is an essential part of Cumbria’s energy coast.
“It is encouraging to see a good number of long-term jobs have been created in Barrow since the windfarm began construction and became operational earlier this year.’’
Stuart Bowes, operations director of the Hotel Imperial, which won contracts for accommodation, said: “The recent windfarm activity off the Barrow coast has been a massive boost.’’
First published at 09:02, Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
How about these large RICH firms that are ruining our coastline give a small donation of a million pounds each to the soccer and rugby.
Have your say
Well I don't agree with the ruining the coastline sentiment, but there should some sort of levy placed on these projects that benefit the local towns and commnunities affected by them.
Posted by Tony on 25 September 2012 at 16:01