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Estuary Energy submits plan for huge offshore wind turbines off Grain visible from Sheerness and Queenborough

00:01, 11 July 2015

Plans have been submitted for two “mega” wind turbines visible from Sheerness and Queenborough.

A planning application was submitted to Medway council last month for the turbines which would measure up to 135m in height – as tall as the London Eye – and would be built on marshland north of the gas terminal and west of Grain village at Grain.

The local authority is now seeking comments from neighbouring Swale council about the proposals.

An impression of the wind turbines planned for Grain
An impression of the wind turbines planned for Grain

The plans has been put forward by in by TNEI Services Ltd representing Rochester applicant, Estuary Energy.

TNEI’s Chris Haggon says “stand-off” constraints – to avoid the area’s existing infrastructure, including pylons, gas storage tanks and water courses – have restricted the number of turbines, with their considerable height allowing them to maximise productivity.

“The UK is the windiest country in the whole of Europe, which makes it an attractive location for offshore and onshore windfarms" - Chris Haggon, TNEI

He said: “Turbines of this height suffer less turbulence and would be less affected by the industrial buildings in the area.”

TNEI estimates the turbines, which would take up less than half a hectare, could provide power for up to 4,000 homes a year.

Any additional power would find its way on to the National Grid. The waterfront site proposed now produces arable crops, but is understood to be prone to flooding.

Mr Haggon said: “The UK is the windiest country in the whole of Europe, which makes it an attractive location for offshore and onshore windfarms. This area is very flat and the turbines will be visible, as is the existing infrastructure in the area.”

If approved, the turbines, which would be built in Europe, would be brought in by boat to nearby Thamesport.

Medway residents were invited to attend an exhibition in April to make their views known ahead of the application being submitted.

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