wiredinUSA September 2013

The world’s second-largest offshore wind farm, situated off England’s Suffolk coast, was officially opened in early August. UK energy and business minister, Michael Fallon opened the 500MWGreater Gabbard wind farm, a 50-50 joint partnership between SSE and RWE Innogy, which has been operational since September 2012. Greater Gabbard has been a pioneering project for the UK offshore wind industry. Capable of generating enough energy to power 530,000 homes per year, for many years it was the largest wind farm under development worldwide, andwas the first to be sited over 12 miles offshore. It continues to be the furthest from shore and, in depths of up to 34 meters, is in the deepest water of any commercial UK offshore wind asset. Official opening of world’s second largest wind farm

Ikea to purchase fully assembled wind farm

Mainstream Renewable Power has closed adeal to sell the 7.65MWCarrickeenyWind Farm to furniture retailer Ikea. The project is expected to be operational in early 2014, at which time Ikea will complete the purchase. The Ikea Group has plans to invest £1.5bn in wind energy and solar programs as part of group’s sustainability strategy to generate as much energy as it consumes by 2020. This acquisition will increase to 137 the number of wind turbines that the Ikea Group has committed to owning and operating. Commenting on the deal, Mainstream Renewable Power's chief executive, Eddie O'Connor said: "Partnering with corporations who want to own wind and solar plants is a very exciting and growing part of Mainstream’s global business. We are being approached by a growing number of energy-intensive corporations in the retail, IT and mining sectors who want to invest in our large portfolio of wind and solar plant being developed across four continents.”

wiredInUSA - September 2013

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