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RWE pull out of Galloper wind farm scheme | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
An energy firm has pulled out of a wind farm scheme that promised hundreds of jobs in Suffolk. | An energy firm has pulled out of a wind farm scheme that promised hundreds of jobs in Suffolk. |
Energy company RWE has stopped work on the Galloper wind farm because of difficulties in raising finance in time to meet government rules. | |
Up to 85 turbines were to have been built 18 miles (30km) off the coast, bringing power to 330,000 homes. | Up to 85 turbines were to have been built 18 miles (30km) off the coast, bringing power to 330,000 homes. |
MP Peter Aldous and the local council believe another energy firm will come forward to take over the project. | |
RWE said after partner Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE) pulled out in March it could not meet finance deadlines to win government approval for a contract. | |
Hundreds of skilled workers were to have been based at ABP Port of Lowestoft and preparations had been made for electricity to come ashore at Sizewell. | Hundreds of skilled workers were to have been based at ABP Port of Lowestoft and preparations had been made for electricity to come ashore at Sizewell. |
Lowestoft Conservative MP Mr Aldous said he was disappointed but regarded the decision as a postponement and hoped another energy firm would take over the scheme. | |
"Galloper has got planning permissions, is in shallow water with no environmental or geological concerns and is the best place for an offshore wind farm. | "Galloper has got planning permissions, is in shallow water with no environmental or geological concerns and is the best place for an offshore wind farm. |
"When SSE pulled out it became a race against time for RWE to get the finance and supply chain organisation together to secure a contract from the Department of Energy and Climate Change." | "When SSE pulled out it became a race against time for RWE to get the finance and supply chain organisation together to secure a contract from the Department of Energy and Climate Change." |
Bruce Provan, Waveney District Council's cabinet member for economic development, said: "While the withdrawal of RWE from the Galloper project is disappointing, we are confident that is only a bump in the road and not the end of the race. | |
"The required finance for the project can still be assembled. | |
"Therefore we are probably only looking at a delay of around 12 months while an alternative provider is found." | |
The Department of Energy and Climate Change said: "We have created the right investment conditions for offshore wind to flourish, and the UK is still the world leader in offshore wind. | |
"The sector is still growing, generating huge investment, creating jobs and supporting businesses around the country." |
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