The Way Forward

A Split Decision

SEAS has called on the Examining Authorities to recommend to the Secretary of State a ‘split decision’ so that:

1. The offshore turbines are recommended for consent. This will mean that no time is wasted in respect of construction of the turbines.
2. The onshore infrastructure is rejected in favour of full consideration of better locations for this infrastructure where the adverse impacts are minimised at a brownfield/ industrialised site.

Our case, from the very outset, has been that the adverse impacts of this particular onshore site location substantially outweigh the benefits of the application when taken as a whole. We do not challenge the offshore location or construction of EA1N or EA2. But we do challenge the onshore location of infrastructure. If the Applications are split and the offshore elements are approved, then there needs to be no delay with regard to the construction of the turbines. The Secretary of State for the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy has the power to approve wind farm applications without approving any radial transmission system or site location. There is a notable precedent. The well documented case study is Triton Knoll, where the offshore consent was granted in 2013 and amended to allow onshore connection in 2016.

This would give time for a substation site to be chosen as part of a strategic assessment which takes into account the protection of our cherished landscapes and looks at where the power will actually be required.

Alternative Sites for a Grid Connection

There are a number of different site options.

Whilst Bradwell would need investment in the onshore grid to accommodate offshore energy, these expenses might well be more than offset by the savings made offshore: “Adopting an integrated approach for all offshore projects to be delivered from 2025 has the potential to save consumers approximately £6 billion” NGESO Offshore Coordination Phase 1 Final Report

2. Bramford, as proposed by the late Chris Wheeler of SASES [REP9-076] and [REP12-127]. An alternative grid connection for EA1N and EA2. with ONE cable trench (instead of the four cable trenches that are currently proposed for the connection of these same wind farms to Friston) to connect EA1N and EA2 to the existing NGET substation site of Bramford, at which SPR already owns land, thereby substantially reducing onshore environmental impacts. This alternative is understood to be compliant with the existing Ofgem regulatory environment.

3. Isle of Grain, an existing industrialised substation site on the coast which would result in significantly less environmental and socio-economic damage. Its proximity to London and the Kent connections for export to other North Sea Countries means the power is brought onshore close to centres of demand. Grain was the original preferred option for Nautilus according to the presentation given by National Grid Ventures in November 2018 to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB.

Offshore Integration

For the sake of our future legacy, to future generations, we appeal to BEIS, to Ofgem, to ScottishPower and National Grid to hear our voices and take the initiative now to grasp this golden opportunity to find better integrated solutions using a brownfield or industrialised site which minimises environmental and community damage.