Cumbria wind farm developments approved

Using 139 turbines, the 500MW West of Duddon Sands development will be located near Walney Island off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria.

Companies want to build here because we have made the UK one of the most attractive places to invest in offshore wind

John Hutton

Energy Secretary

The wind farm has the potential to generate enough renewable energy to power around 372,000 homes, according to developer Morecambe Wind Limited.

In addition, Energy Secretary John Hutton has approved proposals from Ormonde Energy Limited for the construction of a 150MW wind farm, also near Walney Island.

The Minister said the two projects highlighted the UK’s commitment to developing renewable energy sources and revealed the Duddon Sands wind farm will make a “significant contribution” in reducing carbon emissions,

Mr Hutton added: “Companies want to build here because we have made the UK one of the most attractive places to invest in offshore wind.”

"It won't be long before enough offshore wind power is plugged in to the grid to make us world leaders" he added.

Earlier this year, renewable energy firm Airtricity announced it has started work on the world's largest wind farm.

The 504MW Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm is due to enter commission in 2011, with Mr Hutton describing renewable energy as being of the "utmost importance".