The Government's commitment to renewable energy is demonstrated again today as Malcolm Wicks, the Energy Minister gives permission for three new wind farms to be built.

An 85 Megawatt onshore wind farm has been planned at Keadby, North Lincolnshire. The development by Renewable Energy Systems Ltd (RES) will have 39 turbines, producing enough clean electricity to power up to 38,000 homes.

South Yorkshire will also see a 66 Megawatt onshore wind farm at Thorne. The development by E.ON UK Renewables Limited (E.ON) will have 22 turbines, which is enough to power up to 26,000 homes.

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Also, a 64 Megawatt offshore wind farm (Gunfleet Sands II) has been planned for the Thames Estuary. The development by DONG Energy Limited will lay a minimum of five miles from the Essex coast at Frinton-on-Sea on the seaward side of the already consented, but not yet built, 108 Megawatt Gunfleet Sands wind farm. It will comprise of a maximum of 22 turbines, enough to power up to 45,000 homes.

Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, said: "These three new wind farms will add a further 215 Megawatts of green to the renewables revolution that is sweeping through the UK.

"Real momentum for renewables in the UK is building. Through our Renewables Obligation we have more than doubled the amount of renewable electricity, and this will triple again to 15% by 2015 through changes in the Energy Bill."

He concluded: "We are on course to overtake Denmark next year as the world leader in offshore wind and we are reviewing our strategy to take us even further."

(JM)