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Approval expected for wind farms Approval for 'biggest' wind farm
(about 2 hours later)
Plans for two major offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary are expected to be agreed by the government on Monday. Plans for two major offshore wind farms in the Thames Estuary have been given the green light by the government.
One of the schemes would be the world's biggest with 341 turbines in 144 sq miles (232 sq km) between Margate in Kent and Clacton, Essex. Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said one of the schemes, called London Array, would be the world's biggest on completion in about 2011.
The other project would be seven miles (11km) off North Foreland, Kent, across an area of 21 sq miles (35 sq km). The wind farm will have 341 turbines over 144 sq miles (232 sq km) between Margate in Kent and Clacton, Essex.
The other project will be seven miles (11km) off North Foreland, Kent, across an area of 21 sq miles (35 sq km).
The consortium behind the larger scheme is appealing against a Kent council's refusal for an onshore substation.The consortium behind the larger scheme is appealing against a Kent council's refusal for an onshore substation.
Swale Borough Council refused planning consent in June, citing environmental impact as the reason.Swale Borough Council refused planning consent in June, citing environmental impact as the reason.
The consortium, London Array Limited, said it had changed its plans following concerns over the impact of the substation at Graveney. London Array Limited said it had changed its plans following concerns over the impact of the substation at Graveney.
It also said it had addressed residents' concerns over the impact of construction traffic. It also said it had addressed residents' concerns over construction traffic.
Economic opportunitiesEconomic opportunities
The Department of Trade and Industry said the £1.5bn London Array project could generate enough renewable electricity to power a third of London's three million households when fully operational. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the £1.5bn London Array project could generate enough renewable electricity to power 750,000 households when fully operational.
It would be situated 12 miles (20km) off the Kent and Essex coasts and contain five offshore substations and four meteorological masts. It will be situated 12 miles (20km) off the Kent and Essex coasts and contain five offshore substations and four meteorological masts.
The first turbines could be erected by 2008 with the scheme completed by 2011. The first turbines could be erected by 2008.
The smaller project, called the Thanet scheme, would cost £450m and contain 100 turbines. The developer, Warwick Energy, expects the project to provide enough renewable electricity for 240,000 homes. The smaller project, called the Thanet scheme, would cost £450m and contain 100 turbines.
The department added both projects would make a "significant contribution to the government's aim of a five-fold increase in the UKs renewable energy resource by 2020." The developer, Warwick Energy, expects the project to provide enough renewable electricity for 240,000 homes.
The DTI added both projects would make a "significant contribution to the government's aim of a five-fold increase in the UK's renewable energy resource by 2020".
It also said the schemes would bring economic opportunities to businesses and local communities.It also said the schemes would bring economic opportunities to businesses and local communities.
The government announcement is expected to be made on Monday morning.