| By :
Martin Hofschroer
Demand for green energy courses may increase after expansion plans for offshore wind farms were announced. The Crown Estate has given the go ahead for wind farm developments off the coast of England to expand their operations. Wind farms off the coasts of Suffolk, Kent, Cumbria and another in Liverpool Bay are expected to expand in a move that is predicted to provide enough power for an extra 1.4 million homes. All of the expansion plans are subject to extensive planning applications as the environmental impact will have to be evaluated before any construction work is allowed to commence, said the Crown Estate. RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery said: "Today's announcement gives definitive and positive evidence of the environmental and commercial viability of existing offshore projects. "The site extensions come as a direct consequence of the UK's world beating offshore wind farms showing that, after a successful start, they have further potential for growth. It is clear that developers are confident projects will continue to deliver." Friends of the Earth climate campaigner Tony Bosworth told the Independent that the move was a significant step towards a greener future. There will be an increased demand for people with qualifications from green energy courses as the expansion project will create a large number of employment opportunities, according to Mr Bosworth. "The UK's renewable energy potential is huge - maximising it would slash emissions, increase energy security and generate tens of thousands of jobs. "All the major political parties agree on the need to build a low-carbon economy - urgent measures to boost green energy must be a top priority for whoever forms the next government," he told the newspaper. SSE Renewables and RWE Npower Renewables have gained approval to expand its Greater Gabbard project off the coast of Suffolk while Vattenfall Wind Power will extend its Kentish Flats and Thanet projects off the coast of Kent. Dong Wind UK has been permitted to expand Burbo Bank, near Liverpool, and Walney, Cumbria and Centrica Renewable Energy is set to install extra capacity on Race Bank off the coast of Norfolk. Warwick Energy can expand capacity at its Dudgeon site capacity, which is also situated off the Norfolk coast. The Crown Estate has a portfolio valued at £6 billion, which includes more than 55 per cent of Britain's foreshore and retains various other traditional holdings such as Ascot racecourse and Windsor Great Park.
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