Review of Cabling Techniques and Environmental Effects Applicable

Review of Cabling Techniques and Environmental Effects Applicable to the Offshore Wind
Farm Industry – Technical Report
It is from the evidence presented in the ES, and subsequent critical analysis
by a range of appropriate authorities, that the necessary consents are granted
and any conditions with regard to mitigation, monitoring and best practice are
applied.
Offshore cabling applications and offshore wind farm applications require
developers to obtain a number of consents. A summary of these consents are
set out in Table 2.1. The standards and codes of practice necessary for subsea
cabling activities for the development of an offshore wind farm are provided in
Appendix A.
Specifically, for cabling activities associated with the offshore wind farm industry,
a FEPA and CPA licence is required for:
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Installation of cables; and
Deposition of material for cable/scour protection purposes such as rock
armouring and grout bags.
Under FEPA, the decision as to whether a licence will be granted will depend
on the assessment by the Licensing Authority of potential hydrological effects,
risk to fish, mammals and other marine life from contaminants, noise and
vibration, effects from potential increases in turbidity, smothering and burial of
marine life, any adverse implications to designated marine conservation areas
or interference to other marine and coastal users.
Under CPA, the Secretary of State must determine whether marine works will
be detrimental to the safety of navigation in relation to the cabling installation/
removal activities.
Guidance for EIA in respect of FEPA and CPA requirements is provided by CEFAS
(CEFAS, 2004).
If an offshore wind farm development is planning a high voltage electrical
connection to the onshore grid, then use of the transmission assets involved –
the offshore substations, related electrical plant, and export cables – will require
a transmission licence under the Electricity Act 1989. A distribution licence would
be required if the electrical connection is at low voltage. These licensing regimes
are currently under development and are likely to be introduced in 2008 and 2007
respectively. Further information on obtaining licences for offshore transmission
and/or distribution can be obtained from the Offshore Transmission Team at
BERR and on the BERR website.