Over thirty representatives of local maritime and other organisations attended a special presentation in Rochester last week about the ‘London Array’ wind farm that is to be built in the Thames Estuary.   The presentation was organised by the River Medway Business Users Association.

The ‘London Array’, which will eventually comprise nearly 350 wind turbine generators located in the Thames Estuary, will be one of the largest offshore projects undertaken in the UK.     When completed the wind farms, located on sandbanks severally miles north of Margate, will generate sufficient power for all the homes in Kent and East Sussex.     Peter Crone, Chief Executive of the London Array Consortium, gave details of the proposed offshore site, which will generate at least 10% of the government’s target for power produced by sustainable sources.    Underwater cables will bring the power to a new ‘super’ sub-station being constructed at Cleve Hill on Graveney Marsh near Faversham where it will link to the national grid.    The tendering process for contracts is at an advanced stage and the project is expected to be delivering electricity to the national grid within four years.

“This meeting provided opportunity for a frank exchange of views between the consortium and local marine organisations“, said Chairman of the River Medway Business Users Association, Bill Moses.   “There had initially been concerns about navigational issues - most of which appear to have been answered, and our members recognise the business and job opportunities that will be created to support and service these offshore installations.    Medway’s marine businesses have made it clear that they have the ability, expertise and flexibility to meet the demanding requirements of this new industry”