Location
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 the wind farm will be built is smaller at 79 km2.
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.
