Energy Answers Blowing In Devon's Wind

A new design model for the Atlantic Array off-shore wind farm is going on show in north Devon...and it includes a cut in the maximum number of turbines.

The design by RWE npower renewables follows the results of comprehensive environmental and engineering studies and consultations held with local communities along the North Devon coast last year.

It means the visual impact  of the £5 billion project should be reduced. The horizontal view of the wind farm from the closest points, just 14 kilometres from Ilfracombe, has been reduced by 40 per cent and the maximum number of turbines for which planning consent will be applied will be reduced from 417 to 278.

They should produced 1,500 megawatts of power which is enough to power 1.1 million homes.

Robert Thornhill, Development Manager for the Atlantic Array Offshore Wind Farm at RWE npower renewables said:  "We have listened to the feedback received during our formal community consultation held during Autumn  2011 and analysed the results of our environmental and engineering assessments.

After taking full consideration of environmental and engineering factors, and in response to the feedback from the public, we have revised the proposed offshore wind farm boundary and made alterations to the maximum number of turbines."

"The results of our assessments have identified an area called Stanley Bank, which is just to the north of Lundy Island, to be an excellent location for a wind farm giving the potential to generate clean,  home-grown energy.  Consequently, there is no change in the distance of the wind farm from Lundy, or from the closest points on the North Devon coast."


More events are being held along north Devon in July. Local communities will be able to  find out more about the changes to the wind farm and view photomontages which will show the revised wind farm design.  The Atlantic Array project team will be at the exhibitions to answer any questions.


The events form part of a second period of consultation on the project, during which members of the public will be able to provide feedback on the updated proposal.  More information regarding these events and the dates of the consultation period will be advertised locally and on the RWE npower renewables website, nearer the time.

Date Time Exhibition location12th July 12pm - 8pm Abbotsham - Old School House, Abbotsham, Bideford, EX39 5AP

13th July 12pm - 8pm The Castle Centre, 25 Castle Street, Barnstaple, EX31 1DR

14th July 11am - 5pm Woolacombe Village Hall, Beach Road, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DQ

15th July 11am - 5pm Bideford College, Abbotsham Road, Bideford, EX39 3AR

17th July 12pm - 8pm Croyde Village Hall, 1 Jones's Hill, Croyde, North Devon, EX33 1LX

20th July 12pm - 8pm Alverdiscott Village Hall, Alverdiscott, Barnstable, Devon EX39 4PZ

21st July 11am - 5pm Lantern Youth & Community Centre, 49 High Street, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9QB