London Array produces 2TWh of electricity in 2013

UK: The world's biggest offshore wind farm, the 630MW London Array, produced 2TWh of electricity in 2013, according to the project's management company.

by Ben Miller 22 January 2014

The 630MW London Array — the world's largest operational offshore wind farm

The first power was generated in October 2012, several months behind schedule and was fully operational in April 2013.

December was the most productive month last year where average generation rose sharply with more than 260GWh of electricity produced.

Siemens 3.6MW turbines, with 60 metre blades, start generating electricity when the wind reaches an average of 3 to 5m/s (about 10 mph).

Output increases linearly with the wind speed until it reaches 12 to 13m/s (about 30 mph). At this point the power is regulated at rated power.

If the average wind speed exceeds the maximum operational limit of 25m/s (about 56 mph), the wind turbine is shut down by feathering the blades.

A London Array spokesperson said: "Winds of this strength are few and far between so although the turbines have shut down for some relatively short periods in recent weeks, as designed, overall the windy conditions have been good for green energy production."

London Array has 175 turbines and was inaugurated by UK prime minister David Cameron on 4 July and is owned by Dong Energy (50%), E.on (30%) and Masdar (20%).