First Power

Rampion 2 is planned to achieve first power towards the end of the current decade, marking the initial export of electricity from the extended offshore wind farm into the UK transmission network. A news report on the project notes that, subject to financial investment decisions proceeding as planned, Rampion 2 is expected to begin construction and deliver first power by the end of this decade. The project, led by RWE alongside a Macquarie‑led consortium and an Enbridge subsidiary, will comprise up to 90 offshore wind turbines off the Sussex coast. Power from these turbines will be brought ashore via subsea cables beneath Climping Beach and delivered to a new onshore substation at Oakendene near Cowfold, before entering the transmission network at Bolney in mid‑Sussex. The project’s Environmental Statement Non‑Technical Summary further clarifies the role of first power in the overall construction and commissioning sequence. In its indicative five‑year construction programme, “First Power” is identified as a distinct milestone occurring after turbine installation but before full turbine commissioning and the Commercial Operations Date (COD). This shows that initial energisation and export are expected ahead of full commercial operation, consistent with standard offshore wind commissioning practice. Together, these documents indicate that, following consent and subject to successful investment decisions, Rampion 2 aims to transition from construction into initial operational testing and power export by the end of the decade, with full COD to follow thereafter.