Since 1 January 2010, Statkraft has received two new licenses for development of wind power in the UK – in addition to the rights to develop the offshore wind power zone on the Dogger Bank off the coast of England. Today, Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske is participating in a presentation of Statkraft to British businesses in London.

Last week Statkraft was awarded a license for the wind power project Barmoor in England (up to 18 MW), together with its partner Duke Energy Corporation. Only days before, Statkraft was awarded the license for the Baillie wind farm in northern Scotland (up to 53 MW), which is owned together with local partners. Statkraft now holds a total of five wind power licenses in the UK – including the Alltwalis Wind Farm in Wales which was commissioned and came online in December.

IN early January, it was announced that Statkraft, together with Statoil, RWE npower and Scottish and Southern Energy, will develop the largest European offshore wind power zone – the Dogger Bank, off the coast of England. Under the agreement with British authorities, the companies will develop 9000 MW, but the potential is estimated at 13 000 MW, which can cover ten per cent of the British energy consumption.

Statkraft and Statoil have already started developing the offshore wind farm Sheringham Shoal off the coast of Norfolk, England. The 315 megawatt wind farm will generate 1.1 TWh annually – enough to supply 20 000 British households with electricity.

Statkraft also owns and operates three hydropower plants (56 MW) and has several tidal power projects under development in the UK.

“The many licenses are a result of long-term and focused efforts, and in line with our vision to supply the world with more clean energy. The combination of British wind power and Norwegian hydropower can contribute to a cleaner and more flexible power supply in Europe, provided transmission cables are laid under the North Sea,” says CEO and President Bård Mikkelsen.

Tags: Statkraft