Work commences at Rampion Offshore Wind Farm

This week will begin construction works at the 400 MW Rampion offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Brighton, UK.

Construction works will include clearing boulders on the seabed along the cable route and around each of the 116 foundation positions to allow safe and effective installation. It is expected that the first foundation installation will start in January.

The 400 MW 116 turbine project being built by E.ON and the UK Green Investment Bank is located 13km off the Sussex coast in the English Channel. It is expected to generate 1,333 GWh of renewable electricity annually once operational; equivalent to the electricity consumption of approximately 300,000 homes.

Chris Tomlinson, E.ON Development Manager for the Rampion offshore wind farm, said:

"After five years in development, following successful consultation, consent and contracting, we're delighted to be able to confirm that work will commence this week to prepare the seabed for turbine installation.”

“Assessment of the number of boulders is still underway but is likely to be in the thousands and up to six vessels will be on site to undertake the work over the next many months. Great efforts will be made to replicate the seabed as it is now and all boulders moved will be weighed and the new position recorded. Details of the new positions of the boulders will be made freely available to sea users. We will continue to issue Notices to Mariners to keep sea users informed of these works.”

The Rampion project remains set to become the first offshore wind farm off the south coast of England and is believed to be the first UK Round 3 project to enter construction.

E.ON is the world’s third largest offshore wind operator having completed the construction of seven offshore wind farms totalling 1.2 GW, with another 507 MW currently under construction.