'I think they will end up being an attraction for people' says Energy Minister Michael Fallon as 27-turbine site is officially opened
The controversial 27-turbine windfarm off the coast of Redcar which will provide enough electricity for 40,000 homes was officially opened today.
Energy Minister Michael Fallon, as well as the chairman and chief executive of energy company EDF Energy Renewables, visited the site and unveiled a plaque at the Majuba Road car park.
The turbines, which stand 120m from base to blade tip, have been in place since last year and form EDF Energy Renewables’ first UK off-shore wind farm.
They are now producing enough low carbon energy to supply most of the homes in Redcar, Marske and Saltburn.
“It is appropriate that we are in Teesside, an area that has a long and proud history at they very fore front of industrial change," said Mr Fallon.
“Teesside has always been the vanguard of technological change, and this is why I was so pleased that it was chosen as a location by EDF.”
Mr Fallon said that, as more off-shore turbines are built, their cost will decrease - and will eventually mean household bills will go down.
And asked how he thought the 27 turbines looked, Mr Fallon said: “I think they will end up being an attraction for people.”
Around 950 direct and indirect jobs were created by the project - and around 300 of these were in Teesside.
A permanent servicing and maintenance team will continue to operate in Hartlepool through the life of the wind farm, which will support 20 jobs.
View gallery Gallery: Official inauguration of EDF's wind farm off the coast of Redcar.
View gallery
Managing the entire project was Middlesbrough man Tim Bland, who has worked with wind energy for 10 years.
The 55-year-old, who lived in Easterside and went to Middlesbrough High School and was responsible for delivering the project, said: “As soon as I found out about the project, I kept an eye on it and I was glad to be involved.
“It has been fantastic and I’m proud to have been involved.”
Redcar MP Ian Swales said: “Using our excellent ports and over 20 local suppliers in the construction process, the off-shore wind farm has been good for the local economy and continues to provide local jobs.
“Hate it or love it, the face of our coastline has changed and I congratulate EDF Energy Renewables on completing this difficult project.”
The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Vic Jefferies, said: “It is a huge thing for this area.
"It is complimentary to our traditional major industries, like ICI and British Steel. We have to think of our children’s generation.”
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