London Array blames EU rules on birds as it calls off expansion
THE CONSORTIUM behind London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, has axed plans to expand the project due to migrating birds causing delays.
Dong Energy, E.On and Abu Dhabi’s Masdar, which own the London Array project, have decided not to proceed with phase two of the plan after reviewing the “technical challenges and environmental uncertainties surrounding the site,” which require a wait of at least three years until the potential impact on birds could be completely assessed, in line with EU legislation.
London Array has formally asked The Crown Estate, which owns the sea beds, to end the agreement for the lease for the phase two area.
The announcement comes on the same day that the government published its first Offshore Wind Programme Board annual report – a government and industry initiative aimed at maximising the economic benefit from offshore wind.