Energy Secretary John Hutton has announced the approval of the UK's fourth largest offshore wind farm.

The 315MW offshore wind farm, Sheringham Shoal, is planned off the coast of Norfolk. The development by Scira Offshore Energy Ltd will comprise of up to 108 turbines, enough to power the equivalent of around 178,000i homes with clean, green electricity.

Mr Hutton said: "This new wind farm demonstrates our commitment to dramatically increase the amount of energy we generate from renewable sources, helping to cut the UK's carbon emissions and secure our energy supplies.


"Sheringham Shoal will be the UK's fourth largest offshore wind farm approved to date and will help provide a significant contribution towards our renewable energy targets.

"Companies want to build here because we have made the UK one of the most attractive places to invest in wind power. By the end of 2009 a further 626MW of offshore wind power will be plugged in to the grid, making us world leaders.

"Through the Planning Bill, we are also looking to speed up the planning process for developers and to improve consultations to make sure wind farms are built in the right places."

(CD/JM)