Developers SSE and Innogy are jointly pursuing an up to 500MW-plus extension to their operational 504MW Greater Gabbard wind farm off east England.
The partners said they are “delighted” that the application has progressed to the next stage of Crown Estate assessment, as announced on Thursday by the seabed landlord.
The project will now undergo a habitats regulations assessment, the results of which are due next summer, said the companies.
An agreement for lease could be awarded by the end of next year.
“The proposed extension project would then be required to go through a design and consenting process, which would also involve a full consultation with local communities and stakeholders,” added Innogy and SSE.
Gabbard has been operational since 2012 and features Siemens Gamesa 3.4-107 turbines.
Image: a jacket foundation going in at SSE’s Beatrice wind farm off Scotland