I was concerned upon reading a number of inaccurate assertions about Navitus Bay Wind Park that were included in Paul Jackman’s letter (‘Navitus Bay Development’, July 5, 2014).

I wanted to respond, to ensure local residents are aware of the details of our project plans.

Mr Jackman’s calculations about the economics of the wind park are fundamentally incorrect.

His calculations are based on assumptions about the project that are factually inaccurate.

The wind park would generate enough low carbon electricity to power around 700,000 homes every year (rather than 200,000) and it would be operational for 25 years (rather than five).

This not only makes it a significant contributor to renewable energy generation in the UK, it also means the foundations on which Mr Jackman is basing his calculations are wrong.

Furthermore, whilst energy bills include levies to support investment in low carbon electricity, these levies are not applied at a local level.

It is therefore wholly inaccurate to suggest that residents in Dorset, Hampshire or the Isle of Wight will be asked to pay anything additional to fund Navitus Bay.

I would also highlight that all of the up-front costs of construction will be met completely privately, without taxpayers or bill payers being asked to contribute.

The only support the project will get is a fixed price for the energy generated.

Mr Jackson’s calculations also do not take into account the vast potential economic benefits the project would bring to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The operations and maintenance base alone – essentially the HQ for the wind park during its lifespan and for which Portland, Poole and Yarmouth harbours have been shortlisted to host – has the potential to support 140 jobs annually, and provide an economic value to the region of £590million over the wind park’s 25 years in operation.

In fact, it is forecast the whole project would add £1.62billion in economic value to the region over its life time.

Now our planning application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and accepted for examination, we remain as committed as ever to ensuring the potential economic benefits of the wind park are realised locally.

If any readers remain unclear on the details of our project plans, the costs and benefits, I would urge them to visit navitusbaywindpark.co.uk Mike Unsworth, Navitus Bay project director