Centrica approved for North Sea wind farm

WINDSOR, England, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Centrica plc announced it received final approval for its $11.8 billion investment in an offshore wind farm near the North Sea coast.

Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, announced final investment approval for its 270-megawatt Lincs offshore wind farm.

The farm is destined for a site located 4.9 miles off the coast of Skegness near existing wind farms in Centrica's portfolio. The farm will consist of 75 wind turbines capable of generating 3.6 MW of energy.

"Our decision to build Lincs illustrates our continued commitment to develop renewable generation and confirms our position as one of the U.K. leaders in green energy," said Sam Laidlaw, chief executive of Centrica.

The Lincs wind farm will supply electricity for close to 200,000 customers of British gas.

Construction is scheduled for 2010 with power generation slated for the end of 2012.