Offshore windfarms represent a major potential source of renewable energy. It is vitally important that this potential is tapped to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to respond to the threat of climate change.
This project involved facilitating essential works to the national grid, to enable the connection of the London Array offshore windfarm. Works included diversion of an existing 400kV overhead line by National Grid and construction of a substation by London Array Ltd, with a National Grid element.
Before works could start on site, various planning conditions had to be discharged and other consents obtained. LUC was commissioned by National Grid to lead this vital stage of work. We produced the following material to meet the consenting requirements:
• A National Grid Traffic Management Plan• A combined London Array/National Grid Ecological Monitoring and Mitigation Plan • Method statements on the prevention and management of pollution and waste• A specification and Written Scheme of Investigation for archaeological works
In addition we obtained the following consents:
• Environment Agency consent for works affecting watercourses and/or flood defences, for works to a secondary sea defence• Land drainage consent from the Kent and Medway Internal Drainage Board for the culverting of drainage ditches• Approval of a ‘vehicle crossover’ application from Kent Highway Services, to allow access to be taken to the site from the public highway
All consents were successfully achieved prior to the start of works in December 2007.
Alongside obtaining the necessary consents, meticulous communication within the project team was paramount to ensure technical information was carefully managed and communicated to the local community.
This was a great multi-disciplinary project for LUC and a chance to work with a team from a variety of organisations (the London Array consortium, National Grid, and their consultants/engineers). The whole team demonstrated amazing commitment to getting the job done within challenging project timescales.
