Climate change minister Greg Barker officially opened an extension to the site today, which will see the first demonstration in UK waters of wind turbines purposely designed to be used offshore.
Many of the turbines currently installed off the UK coastline are variations of onshore turbines, but the new designs – created by Siemens and installed by Dong Energy – aim to “significantly” reduce the cost of producing energy from offshore wind.
Barker said: “Dong Energy’s Gunfleet Sands Offshore Windfarm is an excellent and innovative example.
“It’s helping the country take another step towards a clean, secure energy future while helping support local jobs.”
Benj Sykes, Dong Energy Wind Power’s UK country manager, said: “We are using the latest technology to push the boundaries of the industry forward and we continue to remain committed to playing a central role in ensuring the offshore wind industry in this country achieves its full potential.”