In 2002, the Government selected three 'strategic areas' in which the latest round of offshore wind farms could be developed. Liverpool Bay falls within the North West strategic area, and it offers an ideal combination of shallow waters, high wind speeds, and close proximity to the existing electricity grid network.
The Gwynt y Môr site is located 13 kilometres (8 miles) off the North Wales coast at the nearest point to shore, 16 kilometres (10 miles) from Llandudno, and 18 kilometres (11 miles) from the Wirral. The maximum project area (shown on the map below) covers 124 km2 (48 square miles), although the area within which it is proposed that the wind turbines would be sited is smaller.
Locations of the offshore wind projects built, proposed or consented in Liverpool Bay.
The Gwynt y Môr project area was carefully chosen to minimise potential impacts to the human, biological and physical environments. We undertook many studies to identify the best location for the project area, looking at marine ecology, navigation and fishing activities, and more. Further studies and consultations have since helped to guide the design of the wind farm within the chosen area.
Key issues that affected the proposed position, shape and size of Gwynt y Môr.
The map below shows the boundary of the maximum project area (in blue), the boundary of the area within which it was proposed the wind turbines would be sited when the original consent application and Environmental Statement (ES) were submitted in 2005 (in green), and the revised turbine area which is outlined in the new Supplementary Environmental Information (in red). The area within which it is proposed that turbines would be built
is now 16% smaller (79 km2, 30.5 square miles) than in the original consent application (94.8km2, 36.6 square miles).
Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm - Revised Turbine Area
Location
