Cash boost for Thanet businesses as work begins on Array wind farm
Thanet is home to the current holder of that title, the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm operated by Vattenfall. But London Array plans to outdo them by building a wind farm capable of generating more than twice as much electricity – enough to power almost 480,000 homes.
London Array operations boss Matt Britton met with the public and businesses this week ahead of the first phase of construction, which starts in March.
He said: "There will be a huge number of people coming to the area staying in hotels, eating in restaurants and renting accommodation. People will be coming because of the construction and there will be even more visitors linked to the three companies involved in the project."
The company uses business directory www. kentwindenergy.co.uk set up by Kent County Council, which introduces local businesses and their services to renewable energy companies.
Mr Britton added: "We want to use as many local businesses as possible, whether it is local taxi firms, hotels or electricians."
Vattenfall's offshore wind farm, with 100 wind turbines completed last year, can generate enough power for 200,000 homes. When phase one is completed of London Array it will generate enough electricity for almost 480,000 homes.
London Array is racing to complete construction of its operations and maintenance building, which will house up to 90 staff.
Last year London Array linked with JobCentre Plus at /topics/place/thanetcollegeThanet College, where it found 22 suitable candidates to be interviewed as technicians.
Mr Britton added: "We expect to start our recruitment in the next few weeks and plan to hire 35 technicians over the next couple of years. The wind turbine supplier Siemens will hire another 35 technicians. We also plan to hire 20 managerial and administrative staff."
Plans to increase output from 630 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts (phase two) have been approved, providing the company can prove construction will not threaten the hunting habitat of the bird the red-throated diver.
Mr Britton added: "On a very clear day people in Margate may be able to see our wind farm."
