UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has officially granted planning consent for RWE’s Rampion 2 wind farm, a major renewable energy project set to generate 1.2 gigawatts (GW) off the southern coast of England. This ambitious development, consisting of 90 turbines, will extend the existing 400 MW Rampion project that has been operational since 2018. The new wind farm will connect to the National Grid at the Bolney substation in Sussex.
Originally slated for a decision on February 6, the planning consent was delayed by approximately eight weeks. This extension allowed RWE to address concerns raised by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) regarding tougher piling restrictions proposed by Natural England, aimed at protecting local wildlife. After careful consideration, Miliband concluded that the public benefits of Rampion 2 outweigh the identified environmental impacts.
The consent order includes specific modifications, such as a seasonal piling restriction to mitigate impacts on black seabream from March 1 to July 31. Additionally, there are commitments to monitor and mitigate effects on great black-backed gulls, ensuring that the project aligns with environmental standards.
Construction of Rampion 2 is expected to begin in 2027-28, with full commercial operations targeted for 2030. The project is anticipated to create approximately 4,000 jobs during construction, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Once operational, Rampion 2 will have the capacity to power over one million homes in the UK.
The subsea cables will bring electricity to shore at Climping Beach, with an underground cable route directing power to a new substation at Oakendene near Cowfold, before connecting to the transmission network at Bolney. This infrastructure is crucial for enhancing the UK’s renewable energy capabilities.
Danielle Lane, RWE’s director of offshore wind development for the UK and Ireland, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This is a key milestone in the development of Rampion 2, which can significantly contribute to securing the UK’s energy supplies from our abundant wind resource and support the government’s clean power ambitions.”
Umair Patel, project lead for Rampion 2, emphasized the positive impact on Sussex: “This is great news for Rampion 2 and for Sussex, as the wind farm could generate around three-quarters of all the electricity demands for the whole of Sussex, helping create jobs during both construction and operation.”
The approval of Rampion 2 not only reinforces the UK’s commitment to renewable energy but also sets the stage for RWE to participate in the upcoming Allocation Round 7 for Contracts for Difference. This financial mechanism will further support the development of clean energy projects across the country.
As the UK pushes towards its clean energy targets, projects like Rampion 2 are vital in transitioning to a sustainable energy future while fostering local economic growth.
