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