The final phase of pre-application consultation for Forewind’s second stage of offshore wind energy development, Dogger Bank Teesside A & B begins on Monday (November 4).
The consultation, which starts with the publication of documents, plans and maps about the proposed development, will run for seven weeks until Friday 20 December. It will include a series of public events to be held in venues near the proposed landfall and cable route, at Redcar and Lazenby.
Dogger Bank Teesside A & B will comprise two up to 1.2GW offshore wind farms which will connect via underground cables into the national grid at the existing Lackenby substation, in Redcar and Cleveland. Two new converter stations are also proposed for the south-western corner of the Wilton Complex.
With a total installed capacity of up to 2.4GW, it has the potential to generate around 8 terawatt hours (TWh) of green power every year, which is equivalent to the electricity used annually by approximately 1.8 million British homes.
This consultation is the culmination of more than three years of work including onshore and offshore environmental and engineering surveys, consultation and technical assessments. The documents to be published include the draft Environmental Statement and a Non-Technical Summary giving an overview of the project, its potential impacts and proposed mitigation.
Project Manager Chris Nunn said it is the main opportunity for stakeholders, including the members of the public, to view and comment on the proposals before the consent application is submitted.
“The aim of this consultation is to gather views and feedback on the proposals, and give those with an interest in the project another opportunity to influence the way Dogger Bank Teesside A & B is developed,” he said.
Forewind’s consultation documents will be available to view at local libraries during the consultation period, and to download from www.forewind.co.uk along with electronic feedback forms.
There will be three public events in November enabling stakeholders, in particular the community living or working near the proposed onshore cable route and converter stations, to learn all about the project and submit their comments. Forewind staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the proposals.
“The consultation documents will be free to view at the public exhibitions, which all stakeholders are encouraged to attend,” he said.
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Press release, October 29, 2013; Image: Forewind