The Intermediate Electrical Compound (IEC), originally planned for construction near Orby, Lincolnshire, with a footprint of around 1.8 hectares, will not be built for the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm, the developers announced.
The IEC was considered necessary to manage power flows along one of the longest, high voltage, underground cable routes in the world. However, based on technical modelling and subsequent collaboration between the project team and contractors, the IEC has been removed.
Triton Knoll said that removing the IES has helped in reducing the cost of generating energy from the wind farm, and would also remove key concerns for locals.
James Cotter , Project director, said: “We are so pleased to be able to announce this. It’s great news for local people in Orby; the change in design addresses issues raised during the planning process, and will reduce the overall visual and construction impacts of the project in the local area.”
“It’s also great news for UK energy consumers as the removal of the IEC helps the project make significant cost savings which in turn is helping drive down electricity bills.”
Triton Knoll has been awarded a Contract for Difference (CfD) earlier this month at a strike price of GBP 74.75/MWh.
The 860MW wind farm will comprise 90 MHI Vestas V164-9.5 MW turbines. The project is now progressing towards a financial investment decision likely in 2018 with full onshore construction starting shortly after, and offshore construction starting in 2020.
First energy generation could be as early as mid-2021, with the project expected to begin commissioning in 2021.