For the offshore elements of the plan, Eneco has so far declared the boundaries of the area that its windfarm might cover, a maximum capacity (1200MW), and a range of possible turbine sizes.  This means that there are still many possible outcomes, and the final configuration may not be known until 2013 (and even then, Eneco may choose to define an "envelope" of possible configurations, rather than one specific design).  In order to show anything at all at this stage, some assumptions were necessary. So, the animations show one possible configuration within Eneco's current design envelope under the assumptions stated on this page - they are not derived from Eneco's "final" plan (which does not exist yet).

We have prepared these animations of the windfarm under the stated assumptions using 3D computer graphics.  We have taken great care to make these animations as accurate as possible. Read this explanation. You must view them at the correct distance (which is indicated in the animation) to see them at "life-size".  This means you will have to stand quite well back from your screen.

Why do you have to stand back?   Read our Animation FAQ where we explain this.

Please click on the square in the bottom right corner to view these videos at full-screen on your computer or you will not get the correct impression.

It is also best to select 720p resolution mode.  To get this HD version click on the "cog" symbol in the video toolbar.  This symbol only appears after the video commences. 

This simulation shows the view from the SW coast path on the cliff top at Durlston below the castle by the bird display boards. Durlston Head is probably the most visually affected part of the whole region. The first video shows the view with a prevailing wind of WSW.  On the day that the background photographs were taken, the wind was actually NNW, so the second video shows the wind at this angle for comparison. 

A simulation of the entire windfarm from the cliff top at West Cliff, Bournemouth.  This animation has a very long sweep of the horizon from Old Harry in Purbeck to the Isle of Wight, so it takes quite a few seconds for the windfarm to come into view.  Don't think you have missed something!"

This shows the view when standing on the SW coast path in north Swanage at the Ballard Estate.  The entire windfarm area and most of the Isle of Wight are included in this animation.
(Please choose 720p resolution and full screen view for the most accurate impression).

This shows the view from the observation point in Sandpit field just behind Swanage beach.  Only a small part of the windfarm is visible from there.
(Please choose 720p resolution and full screen view for the most accurate impression).

This shows the view from Studland beach looking towards Old Harry rocks. 

Click on the view full screen symbol in the bottom right corner to get the best view

171 turbines that are 189m tall and of  7MW rating each (1200MW total).  

These turbines are smaller than the maximum size that Eneco has stated, but a plausible choice.

They are uniformly distributed throughout the development area in a staggered-row configuration.  We don't know the actual positions, because Eneco has not published them yet. The turbine positions are shown on the map click here.