A DANISH energy group and a Norwegian power company have started investigations in the Irish Sea off Walney Island as part of feasibility plans for Cumbria's first ever off-shore wind farm.

Dong AS has a two-year programme planned which will involve the assessment of the area's suitability.

It expects to submit a planning application in 2006 for consent to construct the 450-mega watt site.

Work will include assessing oceanographic and seabed conditions, marine, fisheries and navigational issues, landscape and visual assessments, the socio-economic impact, ecological characteristics and wind assessment. In December last year, Dong and Statkraft were offered the wind farm licence off the island of Walney. Stakraft is Europe's second-largest producer of renewable energy, while Dong specialises in the production and sale of electricity.

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