From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, May 17, 2007

DEVON County Council has welcomed the proposals for the world's largest off-shore wind farm as the best opportunity for the local economy in a decade.

The coast off North Devon is today (Thursday) being unveiled as the potential home for a £3 Billion project for 350 turbines, known as the Atlantic Array.

Farm Energy, the South Molton based company behind the scheme, hopes that the site 20 km north west of Ilfracombe, and 15 km north of Lundy, could generate enough green electricity to power more than a million homes. It could also create hundreds of long term, full-time jobs, with even more in the wider community.

Councillor Humphrey Temperley, Devon County Council Executive Member for Economic Regeneration, Strategic Planning and Regional Affairs, said: "The proposal represents the best opportunity for the local economy in northern Devon in a decade. Ilfracombe, Bideford and Appledore could all share the onshore benefits.

"The wind farm could provide enough energy for all of Devon and there is potential for tidal power to be added later. North Devon has excellent grid connections via Yelland and Alverdiscott and it would put the area at the forefront of renewable energy production."

The region is seen as having the best prospects for grid connection, and the Atlantic Array scheme could supply 53 per cent of the South West's domestic energy, offsetting 2.3 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "It is early days but it is also a very exciting prospect if more can be made of offshore wind power to reduce the county's carbon footprint. Marine life, shipping lanes and fish stocks will all have to be taken into consideration but the benefits of providing power to so many homes are potentially enormous."

Councillor Geoff Fowler, Devon County Councillor for Ilfracombe, said: "This is great news for Ilfracombe and the rest of North Devon. It could create a wealth of jobs and continue to make Devon even greener."

Farm Energy is also behind a similar scheme in the Thames Estuary which received offshore consents from the DTI and Defra in December 2006.

As yet it has no consent to develop the North Devon site or any lease agreements from the Crown Estate, which owns the seabed.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Humphrey Temperley 01237 420553 or 07966 411654

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384.

Councillor Geoff Fowler 01271 864211