I wanted to update you regarding the Zone 8, Round 3 offshore wind project in the
Bristol Channel, known as Atlantic Array.
Due to the technical challenges specific to the zone, coupled with the current market
conditions, it is uneconomic for RWE to continue with the Atlantic Array development.
The Crown Estate has agreed to RWE Innogy's request to terminate the agreement for
the Bristol Channel Zone, allowing RWE Innogy to stop its development activities in the
Zone, and to surrender the option for the Atlantic Array project, thereby removing RWE
Innogy’s seabed rights.
The Crown Estate has no plans to undertake further work on the Bristol Channel Zone for
the foreseeable future. However, the area remains one that has a good resource. As the
industry develops over the next decade and on the back of more viable technologies
being demonstrated, expected innovation and cost reduction may in the future open up
opportunities in the more challenging areas, such as in the Bristol Channel.
The decision to stop activity on Atlantic Array has not been taken lightly and RWE
remains committed to offshore wind and our investment in renewables in the UK. We will
now continue to focus on the other offshore projects which we believe are more
technically viable within our extensive offshore pipeline of up to 5,200MW, in addition to
completing the construction of our Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in the project.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Cowling
Director of Offshore Wind
RWE Innogy GmbH