SHERINGHAM SHOAL
While the depth of the channel will need to be maintained with regular dredging, the initiative has significantly extended the tidal window and enabled greater access for wind farm and other vessels. Scira, together with Siemens, now has around 50 people – mostly hired from Norfolk - working from a temporary office in the town in advance of the opening of a new operational base, which is now under construction three miles inland.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT A key to the success of the project has been the ongoing liaison with the local community as bringing the people most directly affected along with the project
AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ‘BIGGER PICTURE’ The wind farm and associated works at Wells-next-the-Sea has not been without its local detractors. The local Sailing Club in particular has expressed some dissatisfaction with the new outer harbour as in certain weather conditions it will restrict one of its annual sailing events; however generally there is an awareness of the greater benefit the wind farms will bring and of the need for coexistence.
There is a broad understanding that for somewhere like North Norfolk, the arrival of the wind industry represents a new lease of life with businesses from taxi firms, B&Bs, and the chandlery, to IT firms, vessel charter companies and real estate agents all benefitting.
Einar Strømsvåg, General Manager of Scira Offshore Energy
was of vital importance. Through regular presentations to community groups, attendance at Town Council meetings, a quarterly newsletter, dedicated website, supplier seminars and support of community activities, Scira gradually ensured almost everyone living or working in the area was aware of the project and its opportunities.
PUBLIC INFORMATION POINT A shop front information point was set up in the Wells-next-the-Sea main street in early 2010 and further down the coast in Sheringham, a Wind Farm Visitor Centre enabling people to learn more about wind energy was established in the town museum, known locally as The Mo.
COMMUNITY FUND
To ensure the wind farm plays its role as a good local citizen and meets community expectations as an enabler of sustainable development in the area, the organisation set up a community fund offering funds to initiatives supporting a greener future for North Norfolk. Scira will be a significant employer for many years, and this fund provides an ongoing mechanism for its local involvement.
Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm under construction
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk 43
WORKING TOGETHER The Sheringham Shoal project represents an example of how the larger players in
the growing wind industry can work closely with local people and groups to ensure these smaller communities are positioned to take advantage of an arena that represents a ray of light in the UK’s immediate economic future.
Scira Offshore Energy
www.scira.co.uk.
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