Firth of Forth Offshore Wind Farm Zone. Offshore and Onshore Project Information

Transcription

1 Firth of Forth Offshore Wind Farm Zone Offshore and Onshore Project Information May 2012

2 Introduction Seagreen Wind Energy Limited (Seagreen) is a 50/50 joint venture between SSE and Fluor (UK) Limited. SSE A WORLD LEADING RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANY SSE (formerly Scottish and Southern Energy) is headquartered in Perth in Scotland and is the 2 nd largest energy producer in the UK. The company; supplies energy to over 10 million customers in Great Britain and Ireland; employs over 20,000 people; has 11,375 Megawatts (MW) of power generation assets; and is the UK s leading generator of renewable energy, with over 2,500MW of installed capacity of wind, hydro and biomass. SSE s mission is to provide the energy that people need in a reliable and sustainable way. It is committed to tackling climate change, securing future supplies and helping Scotland and the UK to meet its EU renewable energy targets through investing in renewable sources of energy. SSE has extensive experience of the development of offshore wind farms in the UK, Ireland and Europe, as well as developing onshore wind, hydro, biomass and wave and tidal energy projects. Offshore wind projects SSE has been involved in developing and/or constructing include Greater Gabbard, Walney, Beatrice, Dogger Bank, Islay and Galloper. Fluor Limited A WORLD CLASS EPC CONTRACTOR Fluor is one of the world s leading publicly traded engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance (EPCM) and project management companies. Fluor has over 43,000 employees worldwide with offices on six continents serving clients in 85 different countries, and running over 1,000 projects annually. Fluor Limited has operated in the UK for more than 50 years and has over 1,000 locally based staff. In recognition of the tremendous potential in the inherent benefits of using renewable sources of energy to meet growing energy demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Fluor is growing its presence in the offshore wind market. This strategy complements the company s broader focus on new and clean sources of energy that includes wind, solar and biomass. In recognition of the company s commitment in this area, the UK based magazine, The New Economy, named Fluor as the Best Clean Energy Company of the Year Working Together Round 3 of the UK offshore wind farm development programme represents a significant undertaking. The Fluor SSE consortium has demonstrated throughout its long association that it has the development skills, technical expertise as well as managerial and financial capacity to deliver. The successful development of the Round 2 Greater Gabbard project stands as a testimony to the capabilities of our consortium. Firth of Forth Zone Greater Gabbard Wind Farm ( chpv.co.uk/seajacks) Seagreen was awarded the exclusive development rights for the Firth of Forth Zone by The Crown Estate in the UK s Round 3 offshore wind farm development programme. The Firth of Forth Zone lies just outside Scottish Territorial Waters (STW), approximately 25km east of Fife Ness in the outer Firth of Forth. The Zone covers an area of 2,852km² and has a potential installed capacity of 3,500MW which would make a significant contribution to Scotland and the UK s climate change targets and security of supply objectives. The Crown Estate is a partner in all Round 3 development programmes around the UK and as such provides a contribution to the development costs. 2 A consortium that delivers

3 Project Details In the first phase of the project two wind farms will be developed (Seagreen Alpha and Seagreen Bravo). The projects are in the north east of the Zone and will have an electricity export cable linking them to shore and the national grid transmission network '0"W Montrose Export Cable Route Options NORTH Alpha Phase 1 Bravo Arbroath Carnoustie Charlie Foxtrot Inch Cape Phase St. Andrews Delta Phase 2 Phase 3 Echo Kilometers '0"N '0"W '0"N Golf Neart na Gaoithe The Firth of Forth Zone and wind farm site boundaries. The Project Alpha Site The Project Bravo Site 525 Megawatt (MW) capacity 75 wind turbines Area 197 km2 27 km from the nearest landfall point on the Angus coastline 525 MW capacity 75 wind turbines Area 194 km2 38 km from the nearest landfall point on the Angus coastline The Project Alpha and Project Bravo wind farm site boundaries designs have evolved to accommodate known environmental and engineering constraints in the area, moving wind turbines to the east away from the Scalp Bank, as well as important habitats and fishing grounds. The maximum number of proposed wind turbines has reduced from 300 to

4 Project Components The offshore projects will comprise of the following: Meteorological Mast Illustration of wind farm components (not to scale) Wind Turbines Each wind turbine will comprise of a steel tower, a nacelle, blades and internal electrical and mechanical equipment. Foundations and Sub-structures Each wind turbine will be attached to the seabed by foundations and sub-structures. There are three main foundation and sub-structure options under consideration: i. steel jacket with driven or drilled piles; ii. steel jacket with suction caisson foundations; and, iii. gravity base structures. Illustration of substructures and foundations (not to scale) Subsea Array Cables The wind turbines will be connected to a network of electricity cables known as the array cables. These cables are required to connect the wind turbines to the Offshore Substation Platforms. Meteorological Masts Up to three ancillary meteorological monitoring masts are proposed within each of the Project Alpha and Project Bravo sites. These masts will provide wind speed monitoring for performance evaluation and will assist in the planning and maintenance operations. Offshore Substation Platforms and Equipment The Offshore Substation Platforms connect the wind turbines arrays and transform to a higher voltage for output to shore via export cables. Export Cables The electricity generated from the wind farms will be transmitted to land by subsea export cables. This export cable route will run from Project Alpha to the landfall to be located in Angus either south of Arbroath or in Carnoustie. To enable this connection each subsea export cable will be approximately 60-70km long. The exact electrical equipment connecting the wind farms to the National Grid is not yet finalised due to supply chain considerations. Options are being considered for a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) or High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) grid connection. Seagreen are submitting the consent applications with flexibility within the design until further detailed engineering studies are completed later in the project lifecycle. Operating Period Completed Substation The minimum wind farm operating period is 25 years. The future of the wind farms will be determined towards the end of the operational life of the wind turbines; Project Alpha and Project Bravo could be repowered, refurbished and reconditioned or decommissioned subject to the award of any further necessary consents. 4 A consortium that delivers

5 Environmental Offshore Survey Work (1) Seagreen, in collaboration with the Forth and Tay Offshore Wind Developer Group (FTOWDG), commissioned studies covering a wide range of environmental topics to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the offshore consent applications. Some of the key topics are explained below. Ornithology Gannet Photo courtesy of Photo taken by Andreas Trepte, Kittiwake Commercial Fishing Seagreen have analysed the fisheries statistical datasets ( ) which demonstrates that the principal fishing activity in the vicinity of the wind farm sites is boat dredging for king scallops (approximately 80%, 707,184, of the total landings recorded). The remainder of landings values are principally haddock (15%, 135,528). The ongoing assessment and continued consultation with fishermen and the fishing industry will seek to address the following: Implications for fisheries and safety issues for fishing vessels during the construction and operation phases of the projects; Adverse impacts upon commercially exploited fish, recreational fish and shellfish populations; and Access to traditional fishing grounds. Gannet and Kittiwake, amongst other key seabirds found in the North Sea area, are important to Seagreen as many were observed during the offshore observation surveys. For these key bird species Seagreen has completed two years of boat based surveys and aerial surveys from a plane. Seagreen in collaboration with the Forth and Tay Offshore Wind Developer Group (FTOWDG) commissioned the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to track individual Kittiwake, Guillemot and Razorbill during their 2010 breeding season on the Isle of May. Puffins were also tracked during Seagreen are working closely with the fishing industry enabling the co-existence of fishing activities and the wind farms. Seagreen, along with the FTOWDG, are establishing a working group to facilitate this. Seagreen realised the potential significance of ornithology early in the project and have changed the design of the wind farm sites to mitigate these impacts. Since the wind farm re-design Seagreen are reassessing the impacts on all bird species found in the North Sea area. Marine Mammals Photo taken by NASA Grey Harbour Seal Bottlenose Dolphin During the boat based marine mammal surveys, Seagreen observed many different mammal species. Grey and harbour seals, minke whale and various types of dolphin are the most common species in the area. The main concern to marine mammals is the potential noise generated from piling operations during the installation of the foundations. To ensure any potential impacts are assessed and appropriately mitigated, Seagreen have commissioned some of the UK s leading marine mammal experts to identify the most suitable construction techniques for installation of the foundations without unacceptable disturbance to marine mammal species. Commercial fishing activity by gear type

6 Environmental Offshore Survey Work (2) Seagreen have yet to confirm the exact location where the export cables come ashore and are still considering locations near Arbroath and Carnoustie. Potential export cables landfall at Arbroath Overview of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from November 2010 (14 days) and June 2011 (14 days) (Source: Anatec, 2011) Potential export cables landfall at Carnoustie At the landfall for the export cables Seagreen are studying a wide range of environmental topics to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the offshore consent application. Coastal Processes Seagreen commissioned Fugro GEOS Ltd to undertake a programme of oceanographic and meteorological measurements to gather offshore data using equipment deployed at two near shore locations along the coast close to the proposed landfall locations. This data will be analysed and these studies will inform the EIA of coastal processes and assist with the decision about the landfall location. Inshore Fishing Activities Seagreen have found that some areas in the near shore, specifically along the Arbroath route, are intensely fished static gear grounds. Fishing boats in Arbroath Fishing/Survey vessel used in the area Seagreen are working closely with the fishing industry enabling the co-existence of fishing activities and the export cables. Seagreen, with the Forth and Tay Offshore Wind Developers Group (FTOWDG), are establishing a working group to facilitate this employing a Fisheries Liaison Officer and Fisheries Industry Representatives from the local area. Diagram depicting typical coastal processes 6 A consortium that delivers

7 Development Process Development of the offshore wind farm projects and the onshore electrical transmission project. OFFSHORE ONSHORE Scoping 2010 Meetings Public Exhibitions Workshops Public Exhibitions Consent Submissions C O N S U L T A T I O N W I T H S T A K E H O L D E R S BASELINE STUDIES AND SURVEYS Offshore Design Freeze ASSESSMENT Submission of ES and Planning Documents REVIEW Determined by Marine Scotland REFINEMENT AND PROCUREMENT BASELINE STUDIES AND SURVEYS Onshore Design Freeze ASSESSMENT Submission of ES and Planning Documents REVIEW Determined by Angus Council REFINEMENT AND PROCUREMENT Wind Farm and Electrical Infrastructure Construction

8 Onshore Transmission Project (1) The electricity generated by the offshore wind farm needs to be connected to the national grid and Seagreen has been allocated a grid connection at Tealing substation by National Grid. When the subsea cables reach the shoreline they are connected to the onshore cables in a transition pit, the transition pit will be below ground set back from the shoreline, and the land affected will be reinstated following construction. The onshore cables will be installed underground for the route to Tealing substation (approximately 20km), the cables are buried for the entire route. A new substation will be constructed adjacent to the existing substation. This is required to transform the wind farm output so that it is suitable for connection to the national grid. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Royal Haskoning have been appointed to undertake EIAs on the cable landing point, the onshore cable route and the new substation. The environmental topics covered include: Ecology and nature conservation (mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates); Landscape and visual impact of the development; Water environment; Soils and waste; Historic environment (archaeology and cultural heritage); Transportation and roads; Noise and vibration; Air quality (dust and emissions); and Socio-economics, land use and recreation. A 500m wide corridor for the onshore cables has been identified and Seagreen is defining a route within this corridor. Seagreen is working to limit the footprint of the works and ensure that the route avoids key environmental features, such as sites designated for historic and nature conservation interest and important recreational areas. The route will be defined as engineering design work is completed. Water survey Onshore Cable Route The temporary working cable width required to install the cable will be approximately 30m, there will be temporary construction compounds on the route to store equipment and Seagreen is in discussion with landowners to identify suitable options. Important issues to the public and affected parties such as drainage, noise, dust and reinstatement of land is of key importance to Seagreen and will be managed in accordance with industry legislation and guidance and ongoing communication with communities and landowners. Any potential impacts on traffic, including cyclists and pedestrians, from the installation of the cables will be avoided or minimised. Seagreen have narrowed down the route selection utilising the baseline environmental studies and engineering feasibility. Once installed the cables will not be visible above ground. There are two cable route options being considered as depicted in the map below; an Arbroath to Tealing substation route or Carnoustie to Tealing substation route. Consultation with local community councils, Angus Council and parties affected by the routes are ongoing. After the feedback from the public consultations has been evaluated a selection will be made on the cable route. Seagreen will continue regular consultation with the parties along the selected route. Onshore Cable Route Options NORTH Legend Arbroath Development Boundary Carnoustie Development Boundary Common Development Boundary Section to Tealing Cable corridors 8 A consortium that delivers

9 Onshore Transmission Project (2) The Transmission System The function of the Transmission System is to collect the power output from the offshore wind farms and transmit it to shore for connection to the onshore electricity network at Tealing. Currently, Seagreen is considering two potential design options for the Transmission System; these are High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) or High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). The final selection will depend on the amount of power, the distance over which it is transmitted and the potential electrical losses involved. Why are Seagreen considering both HVAC and HVDC? The onshore electrical infrastructure required will vary depending on whether an HVAC or HVDC grid connection design is selected for export of electricity from the offshore wind farms. At this stage we have not confirmed the final preferred transmission system design. Therefore both HVAC and HVDC design options are being considered within the Seagreen project consent applications. Onshore Substation The onshore substation is the main interface point of the project transmission system and national grid at Tealing. If an HVAC transmission system is chosen the onshore substation will include the electrical equipments to transform the electricity to the voltage requirements of the national grid. If an HVDC transmission system is chosen the onshore equipment would also include a converter station to convert the electricity to HVAC for connection to the national grid. The below figures display a typical onshore HVAC and HVDC substation design. Key Components of the Onshore Transmission System Overview of an export cable landfall operation Offshore export cables will either be directional drilled or trenched underneath the beach area to a landside transition pit. The transition pit is a concrete pit in the ground where the subsea export cables are joined to the onshore cables. Once completed there will be no infrastructure remaining on the surface other than a single manhole. Typical onshore HVDC substation (not to scale) Typical onshore export cable laying operation Individual cable cores are laid side by side. The number of cables depends on whether HVDC or HVAC technology used. In addition there will be two optic fibre communication and control cables. Typical onshore HVAC substation (not to scale) What are the differences between an HVAC and HVDC design? The main differences between HVAC and HVDC transmission systems is that as part of the HVDC design, there is a requirement for an offshore converter to convert the AC power from the wind turbines to DC for transmission to shore and an onshore converter integrated into the substation to re-convert the power back to AC for connection to the national grid. As such in addition to the outdoor equipment typical of a standard substation there is an additional requirement of a large building to house indoor converter infrastructure. With HVAC there is no converter station but there is a requirement for a greater number of export cables. 9

10 Supply Chain Socio-economic Benefits Offshore wind farms offer the potential for significant positive socio-economic benefits through job creation locally and nationally during their construction and operation. When projects are operational both the offshore and onshore infrastructure will require a programme of ongoing service and maintenance. Seagreen will seek to maximise the opportunities for local businesses by encouraging them to speak directly to our potential major (Tier 1) suppliers (e.g. turbine manufacturers). Any suppliers interested in supporting the project can register online at Elements of the Supply Chain Port and Harbour Facilities - Staging/Laydown Areas - Fabrication Areas - Operation and Maintenance Areas Installation Vessels - Foundations and Substructures - Wind Turbine Generators (Nacelle, Tower, Blades) - Array Cables and Export Cables - Personnel Transfer Vessels Operation and Maintenance - Vessels - Location - Skills Turbine Supply Steel Supply Steel Fabrication Electrical Cabling Engineered Electrical Equipment Communication Systems Installation and Construction Subcontracts Greater Gabbard wind farm turbine lay-down area Estimated Quantities Required Turbines ~ 150 High Voltage Export Cable ~ 130km Medium Voltage Array Cable ~ 700km Offshore Substations ~ 5 Onshore Substations ~ 1 Steel Foundations (Turbines / Platforms) ~ 250,000 tonnes Medium Voltage Wind Turbine Transformers ~ 150 Medium Voltage Wind Turbine Switchgear ~ 150 Typical offshore wind farm foundation lay-down area 10 A consortium that delivers

11 What Happens Next? Exhibition Feedback At Seagreen we pride ourselves on establishing and maintaining good community relations throughout the development of our projects. We are therefore keen to receive any feedback you have on our proposals. Please let us know your views on one of the feedback forms available. All the feedback that we receive will be considered as we progress towards consent submissions. Alternatively you can make your views known to us at anytime via the contact details below. Consultation We will continue to engage with key stakeholders involved including those communities that are local to the project area. This community consultation along with engagement with statutory and non-statutory stakeholders helps to inform the project team allowing us to refine the design of the projects, taking on board the concerns of all involved. Consent Submissions We intend to finalise our proposals in time to submit our consent applications in summer We expect to make our consent submissions for the offshore projects to Marine Scotland in August We also expect to make our onshore consent submission to Angus Council in August Stay Informed If you want to be kept informed by Seagreen on the Firth of Forth Zone development then please use the following contact details: Web: Telephone: Regular project updates will be included on the website and you can also register to receive updates from the link on the homepage. 11

12 A consortium that delivers The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of going to press. This document will not be submitted as part of the project application process. All information will be subject to potential change as the project develops Seagreen Wind Energy Limited. All Rights Reserved.