UK Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has granted development consent to Equinor’s 317MW Sheringham Shoal and 402MW Dudgeon Extension wind farms off England’s Norfolk coast.
They are to double the existing 719MW capacity of the operational Sheringham (pictured) and Dudgeon projects, which have been online since 2012 and 2017, respectively.
The consent includes an option to utilise an integrated transmission system, as well as separate grid connections for each project, within the same overall onshore footprint, the developer said.
Connection to the national grid system will be made at the Norwich Main substation.
Sheringham Shoal Extension is expected to feature 23 turbines while Dudgeon Extension will comprise 30 machines.
“We are delighted with the Secretary of State’s decision to award consent, doubling the capacity of the existing projects, and clearing the way forward to significantly contribute to the UK’s offshore wind and net zero targets by 2030,” said Equinor vice president for UK renewables Halfdan Brustad.
“The Extension Projects have been developed carefully over the last five years, with innovative approaches to transmission planning and consenting, underpinned by close engagement with the local community.
“The extensions build on our longstanding presence in Norfolk and we look forward to contributing even more positively to the local region and the UK’s offshore wind growth.”
The Norwegian developer added it will now “review the consent granted in full detail and determine if and when the projects can be taken forward for final investment decision”.