Wind farm plan moves step closer

The turbines would be situated off the coast at Teesside

A plan to site an offshore wind farm off the Teesside coast has moved a step forward.

EDF Energy first announced plans for up to 30 of the 420ft (128m) turbines off the coast of Redcar in 2004.

Consent has now been given by the Department of Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

The company said it was considering how to move the project forward, and would consult with the local council, residents and other interested parties.

Climate change

The planned wind farm will be capable of producing up to 90MW of electricity, enough to supply the annual requirements of about 60,000 households.

Chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said: "EDF Energy has a long-term commitment to maintaining a diverse and sustainable energy mix in the future, involving all types of generation including renewables.

"We believe this diversity is crucial to address climate change, for security of supply and to provide competitively priced electricity for all our customers.

"The project proposed for Redcar will play an important role in helping to achieve these targets and will help lead the way in providing low carbon energy for current and future generations."