Opened wind farm in the UK

Situated 20 kilometres off the coast of Norfolk, the wind farm was constructed and is jointly owned by Statkraft and Statoil.

Offshore wind production at the new facility will lead to a reduction of approximately 500 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, compared to fossil fuel.

Helicopter tour

Crown Prince Haakon had the opportunity to view the wind farm’s 88 turbines from a helicopter. In his speech, he said:

“The view from the helicopter was spectacular. The UK has assumed leadership when it comes to green energy. There is no question that Britain is a world leader in wind energy. Sheringham Shoal is a tangible example of this. It also serves as an example of how offshore wind production provides a basis for closer technology and business cooperation between Norway and the United Kingdom.”

Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe, Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske, and UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey also participated in the opening, together with representatives of the management of Statoil and Statkraft.

Facts about Sheringham Shoal

The wind farm is comprised of 88 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 3.6 MW, and covers a 35-km2 area. The turbine blades are 52 metres long, and the turbine towers are 80 metres high.

Two marine cables transport electricity from the offshore wind farm to an onshore substation at Weybourne in North Norfolk. From there, electricity is transported via an underground cable to Norwich, where it feeds into the national grid.