CABLE INSTALLATION FEATURE Cable
No one will argue that planning and preparation is paramount before we embark on anything we do.
The planning and designing of cable installation for a wind farm, whether on or offshore, ranks fairly high in that stated scenario for some obvious reasons.
In this feature we asked the industry leaders to let us know their thoughts and advice on the subject.
As with most subject areas there is no definitive advice and/or solutions, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with your views on what has been written, and let us have your comments.
We start with Thomson Ecology, the UK’s leading ecological consultants, who just want us to get it right....
INSTALLATION
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AND DESIGN
• Planning and designing a wind farm for cable installation
• Make biodiversity an asset - not a liability
• Obtain expert advice from the start
If you obtain expert ecology advice from the start of your cabling project, you are far less likely to encounter project delays and you can minimise the mitigation costs associated with biodiversity.
Often small changes to a cabling route can make a big difference to the impact on biodiversity and as a result of making these small changes, you will encounter fewer planning problems.
LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE STATUTORY CONSULTEES For a development requiring assessment under EIA Regulations, it is very important to seek a scoping opinion from the statutory consultees. In England and Wales this may be via the Infrastructure Planning Commission, who will consult with other bodies, such as Natural England.
ENSURE YOU PLAN-IN SEASONAL SURVEYS Surveys for the onshore element of the cabling route can be highly seasonal. It is therefore important that such surveys are in the project plan from the start – otherwise you may find you are facing delays of 6-12 months whilst you wait for the survey window of, say, the great crested newt, to reappear.
Offshore surveys are not constrained to the same extent. However, in some cases it may be necessary to understand seasonal variations in distribution, for example, fish spawning grounds or migratory routes.
By preparing a full scoping report of the surveys required, the rationale, methods and frequency, in line with current guidance, and then agreeing this with the regulators, you are far less likely to encounter problems further down the line.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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