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