Key Facts: London Array Project History

2001-2003

The beginning

The London Array project was born in 2001, when a series of environmental studies in the outer Thames Estuary confirmed that the area is a suitable site for a wind farm.

2005-2007

The planning consent process

In June 2005, London Array became the first Round 2 offshore wind farm to apply for planning consent. Several public exhibitions were held in the Kent area to tell local people about our proposals. We were granted consent for the offshore works in December 2006. Planning permission for our onshore application followed in August 2007 and a London Array project team was established.

2008

Appointing suppliers

In October 2008, we formally went out to tender for the offshore elements of London Array. Tenders were received three to four months later. Click here for details of our main contractors.

Onshore substation designs approved

Swale Borough Council approved our designs for the Cleve Hill substation in December 2008. The look and layout were developed by RMJM Architects, following a design competition and consultation with local residents, Kent Architecture Centre and Swale Borough Council.

2009

The project takes a huge leap forward

In May 2009, Phase One of the project received formal approval and London Array’s three shareholders announced that they would jointly invest €2.2 billion in building the initial 630MW phase.

Construction phase begins

Construction on the Cleve Hill Substation finally began in July 2009. Offshore construction started in March 2011.

Major construction complete

In December 2012 the 175th and final turbine was installed at London Array, marking the end of major construction at the project.  Commissioing activities are continuing onsite with the project expected to be fully operational in Spring 2013.  Array cable burial will continue into the summer.

Take a look at our Construction Diary to find out what we’re working on at the moment. Or read our Key Milestones for a construction summary.