The UK has taken a significant step toward its clean energy future with the approval of the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced the decision today, granting the Rampion 2 project planning permission as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
The ambitious offshore wind development off the Sussex coast will generate 1.2GW of renewable power – enough to supply one million homes with clean electricity.
Miliband added: “The UK has a boundless supply of wind that cannot be turned on and off at the whims of dictators and petrostates.
“It’s time to get off the fossil fuel rollercoaster, roll out clean power, protect our energy security and bring down bills for good. This project puts us within reach of our clean power offshore wind target.”
Creating jobs and driving economic growth
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm is set to become a major driver of job creation.
Developers estimate that constructing the 90 offshore turbines will generate around 4,000 jobs, providing a much-needed economic boost while advancing the UK’s clean energy sector.
Accelerating the UK’s clean energy transition
The approval of Rampion 2 brings the UK closer to its goal of delivering 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
With this project in place, the country is now within 4GW of the lower target range set in the Clean Power Action Plan.
The government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy projects has already seen 15 Development Consent Orders approved since July, reinforcing the drive to expand green energy infrastructure at an unprecedented pace.
New legislation to fast-track clean energy projects
The approval of Rampion 2 follows the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is designed to expedite the development of renewable energy projects.
The bill aims to streamline grid connections and accelerate the approval process for wind and solar farms, ensuring that Britain’s transition to homegrown, low-carbon power happens swiftly.
By prioritising renewable energy infrastructure, the government seeks to provide long-term energy security while reducing household bills.
A growing portfolio of renewable energy projects
Since July, the government has approved several large-scale energy infrastructure projects, including solar farms such as Cottam (600MW), Heckington Fen (500MW), and Sunnica (250MW).
Additionally, nearly 5GW of new offshore wind capacity was secured in the latest renewables auction round, including Hornsea 3 – the largest offshore wind project in Europe.
The momentum behind the UK’s renewable energy transition continues to build, with Rampion 2 marking another milestone in the country’s journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
