As demand for energy continues to grow worldwide, and the need to limit impact on the environment becomes increasingly urgent, we’re looking beyond fossil fuels towards viable sources of sustainable energy.

Off the UK’s Norfolk coast, at Sheringham Shoal, we’re building a 315 MW offshore wind farm in a USD 1.7 billion joint venture with Statkraft, the Norwegian power utility.

When it comes onstream in 2011, the Sheringham Shoal windfarm will generate enough electricity annually to power 220,000 homes. Compared to fossil fuels that’s a reduction of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Situated between 17-23 km (10-15 miles) offshore the windfarm will cover a diamond-shaped area of over 35 sq km, close to international waters. Here, we have plans to install 88 wind turbines, each one standing 80 metres high.

The site was selected for its high wind speeds and shallow water depths, its relatively low levels of fishing activity and its location away from protected and scientifically designated areas.