The UK government has pushed back the decision day for Dong’s 1.8GW Hornsea 2 offshore wind farm in order to gather additional information on potential impacts on porpoises in the North Sea.
Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom said two extra months would be added to the original 16 June deadline with Secretary of State Amber Rudd now determining the Round 3 project by 16 August.
“This extension is to enable the Secretary of State to obtain further information in order to fully assess the possible impact of the development on the Southern North Sea possible special area of conservation for harbour porpoise,” she said.
Leadsom added: “The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant development consent for the development.”
Hornsea 2 will feature up to 300 turbines some 90km off the East Riding of Yorkshire. Planning officials filed a recommendation to ministers on 16 March this year.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Porpoises delay Hornsea 2 ruling
Dong Energy must wait until August to learn fate of 1.8GW project
By EBS