The Ormonde project will be able to supply the equivalent 75% of Cumbria’s domestic load, generating enough electricity to power over 155,000 homes. Anticipating the first renewable energy to be online in 2009, the project will save up to 286,000 tons of CO2 per year.

The project will use existing power generation and North Sea oil and gas technology to be capable of flexible and reliable low carbon power generation. The scheme will generate electricity from the wind turbines but during calm weather conditions or periods of wind turbine shutdown, electricity can still be generated through an offshore generator platform. It is a sustainable concept with in-built options for future reuse of the facilities for further development of offshore renewable energy technologies and potential redevelopment of the sub-surface reservoirs for gas storage. Such activities would be dependent upon further permissions being obtained.

Speaking on the occasion of consent being granted, UK Energy Minister Lord Truscott said, ‘The Ormonde scheme is unusual in that it will combine wind and gas power to produce continuous electricity for the region. It is an exciting and innovative technological first that will make a contribution to our renewable energy aims.’

Minister for the Marine Environment, Ben Bradshaw added, ‘This development reinforces the Government’s commitment to renewable energy and combating climate change. All of the environmental issues and possible impacts on other users of the sea have been addressed in the planning and consent process.’