Offshore Wind Capital Grants Scheme

Aim of the scheme

The aim of the programme was to stimulate early development of a significant number of offshore wind farms. The projects are critical in promoting the necessary learning (in turbine maintenance, installation, financing, wind characteristics, contracting etc) and supply chain development which will allow the Round 2 offshore wind projects (which will be major contributors to targets to reduce carbon emissions and supply 7% of total UK electricity demand) to go ahead.

Further information about the demonstration programme is available below:

Background and update

Five projects with a combined capacity of 390 MW are complete and operating - North Hoyle, Scroby Sands, Kentish Flats, Barrow and Burbo Bank (funded by the Big Lottery Fund). Two further projects - Lynn and Inner Dowsing - are in final commissioning and are due to be operational by the end of 2008.

Construction is underway at a further four projects (Robin Rigg x 2, Rhyl Flats and Gunfleet Sands).

We are conducting a lessons learned study of the Round 1 Capital Grants Programme to evaluate the programme from initial consent right through to operation and this report should be available by the end of 2008.

© Crown copyright2008