Review of Cabling Techniques and Environmental Effects Applicable

Summary
In the UK today, wind farms are the most developed technology for the
large scale production of renewable energy offshore. Given their position
away from land-based urban development, offshore wind farms can be more
substantial in terms of their area and power generation, compared to their landbased
counterparts. Public support for offshore wind farms is generally high,
particularly where evidence is presented through the formal consenting and
consultation processes that developments are sited in an appropriate location,
where environmental and negative economic effects are minimal or can be
effectively managed.
Integral to offshore wind farm development is the installation, operation and
maintenance of the supporting electrical infrastructure of intra-array and export
cables. This document aims to provide an information resource, intended for
use by wind farm developers, consultants and regulators, on the range of cable
installation techniques available, their likely environmental effects and potential
mitigation, drawing on wind farm and other marine industry practice and
experience. Through the collation of existing information and experience from a
range of sources, the report will assist government, developers, stakeholders and
regulators during the formal Environmental Impact Assessment and consenting
process including stages of information provision, review and approval of such
information. Importantly, an understanding of the difficulties and constraints of
cable installation has been provided such that impacts can be avoided, reduced
or minimised. This document also deals with the practical application of the
installation and mitigation techniques available to developers so that the most
relevant and up-to-date technology can be applied in the most appropriate
situation.
This document covers:
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The range of types of cables and small diameter pipelines currently installed
in the EU shelf marine environment. Details are given for the types of cable
typically used for offshore wind farms and also the types of cable commonly
used in the telecommunications and power cable industries.
The range of techniques used to install and maintain the aforementioned
cables and pipelines. Information is provided on a range of commonly
applied cable protection measures, and also of the burial assessment survey
techniques, commonly used before cable installation.
The physical changes or effects to the seabed and sub-surface sediments
expected to occur during cabling activities. The range of sediment types likely
to be encountered during cable burial operations is discussed, with the level
of sediment disturbance that is likely to occur during cable burial for each
technique.
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