UK Delays Decision on Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Project

The UK government has postponed its decision on the proposed 1.2GW Rampion 2 offshore wind farm extension.

Originally, the decision was due by Thursday, February 6, but the UK Planning Inspectorate has extended the deadline to April 4 to allow more time for gathering additional information.

The Planning Inspectorate completed its six-month review of the development consent order application in August last year. Following that, a three-month period was allocated for submitting a recommendation to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. However, he did not reach a decision before the original deadline.

One of the primary concerns surrounding the project is the proposed onshore cable route, which runs through the South Downs National Park, linking the landfall site near Climping to substations in Cowfold and Bolney. Additionally, objections have been raised regarding the placement of turbines, with critics arguing that they could impact the “defined special quality” of the national park and the Sussex Heritage Coast.

Rampion 2 is planned as an expansion of the existing Rampion offshore wind farm, situated off the Sussex coast. If given the green light, construction could commence as early as next year or in 2027, aiming for completion before 2030. Initially, the project was expected to include 116 turbines, but after consultations, the number was reduced to 90.

The Rampion 2 project is a joint effort between RWE Renewables, which holds the largest stake, a consortium led by Macquarie, and Enbridge.

The operational Rampion wind farm, with a capacity of 400MW, was commissioned in April 2018 and holds the distinction of being the first offshore wind farm on England’s south coast.