Go-ahead for giant wind farm

(Getty Images)

One of the biggest offshore wind farms in the world is to be built off the UK coast after being given the go-ahead by the Government, it was announced today.

Npower said between 150 and 250 turbines will be built eight miles off the North Wales coast, close to a current windfarm and the site of another development near the resort of Rhyl.

The Gwynt y Mor wind farm will be the second biggest in the UK and the world and will start to produce power from 2012, subject to consent for onshore electricity works.

The new development will be capable of generating enough power for half a million homes.

Paul Cowling, managing director of npower renewables, welcomed Government approval for the scheme, adding: "This is an important step towards realising this ambitious project.

"The decision underlines the Government's commitment to massively expanding renewable energy generation in the UK to help tackle climate change and improve security of energy supply."

Npower, owned by energy giant RWE, already operates the North Hoyle wind farm off the North Wales coast, the UK's first major offshore wind farm.

Its second offshore wind farm, Rhyl Flats, is now under construction and is expected to be operational next year.