The Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm has today (April 4) been awarded consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP.
The project will see up to 90 wind turbines and foundations be built off the Sussex coast – adding to the 116 already there.
It is said that this could power the equivalent of over one million homes and reduce carbon emissions by around 1.8 million tonnes per year.
Developers of the project, Rampion Extension Development Ltd, have welcomed the decision.
Umair Patel, project lead, said: “We are delighted to receive development consent for the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm proposal.
“This is a key milestone for the project and Rampion 2 is now set to play an important role in securing the UK’s energy supplies from our abundant wind resource.
“We will now consider the Development Consent Order in detail as we plan the next steps.”
In January, the government invited public response to the proposed plans.
A decision was pushed back to allow the department for energy security and net zero to request further information.
Karen Algate, Senior Consent Manager for Rampion 2, thanked the community for their input.
She said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sussex community for their input over the past four years, helping us refine and adapt the proposals to create the best possible project for this site, for the community and the environment.
“I would also like to pay special thanks to our committed project team and consultants who have worked tirelessly to bring Rampion 2 a significant step closer to reality.”
Construction is planned to begin in 2027 and expected to be complete by 2030.
MP for Worthing West, Beccy Cooper, has shown her support for the decision.
She said: “I am a passionate supporter of increasing green energy and wind power capability and wholeheartedly back the government’s clean energy commitments.
“However, at a local level, we must still ensure that Rampion 2 works alongside our communities so that they benefit from this development on our coastal doorstep. And that our precious marine and South Downs environments are respected and protected to the full.”
The Rampion team have assured that residents they will continue to work with the local community.
A spokesperson said: “The Rampion 2 team will continue to keep the local community informed on the project’s progress and will be working hard over the coming months and years to make sure they are aware of the onshore and offshore activities associated with building the wind farm.”
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