π Project Overview
London Array was the world's largest offshore wind farm from 2013 to 2017, and remains one of the most visited offshore wind sites in the world. Located in the outer Thames Estuary, it is visible from the Kent coast and has become an iconic part of the UK's offshore wind story. The project's success with 3.6 MW turbines proved the technology and attracted further international investment.
Site Schematic
Schematic diagram β not to scale. Illustrative layout based on project specifications.
β‘ Key Facts
World's largest offshore wind farm from completion in 2013 until 2017
Visible from the Kent coast on a clear day
Received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2014
Phase 2 (200+ turbines) was abandoned due to cost and brent spar habitat concerns
Siemens SWT-3.6-120 turbines were the industry standard of their era
Joint venture between Γrsted (then DONG Energy), E.ON and UAE's Masdar
π§ Technical Specifications
| Capacity (MW) | 630 MW |
| No. of turbines/units | 175 |
| Turbine / unit model | Siemens SWT-3.6-120 |
| Unit capacity | 3.6 MW each |
| Rotor diameter | 120 m |
| Hub height | 87 m |
| Foundation type | Monopile |
| Water depth | 0β25 m |
| Distance from shore | 20 km |
| Site area | 245 kmΒ² |
| Annual output | 2,100 GWh/year |
| Homes powered | 500,000 homes |
π Grid Connection & Infrastructure
| Grid connection point | Cleve Hill substation, Kent |
| Voltage | 132 kV |
| CfD held | No (merchant / PPA) |
π’ Development & Ownership
| Developer | Γrsted / E.ON / Masdar |
| Owner / operator | Γrsted (25%), E.ON (30%), Masdar (20%), CPPIB (25%) |
| Year consented | 2010 |
| Construction started | 2011 |
| Commissioned / target | 2013 |
| Capex estimate | ~Β£1.9 billion |
| Location | Outer Thames Estuary, 20 km off the Kent and Essex coasts |
| Region | English Channel |
| Coordinates | 51.63Β°N, 1.42Β°E |
π Project Timeline
2001
London Array project first proposed
2010
Marine and planning consents granted
Nov 2011
Construction begins
Jul 2013
Phase 1 (630 MW) fully commissioned
2017
Surpassed by Walney Extension as world's largest
πΏ Environmental & Planning
Phase 2 was abandoned partly due to concerns about impact on Red-throated Diver habitat in the Outer Thames SPA. This established the precedent for ornithological impact being a decisive factor in offshore wind planning.