Statutory consultation for Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farms’ transmission assets will take place from 12 October to 23 November.
The consultation is an opportunity for local communities and stakeholders to review the current proposals and submit feedback.
The consultation will focus on the proposed substation locations for each project, the offshore and onshore cable routes, the Preliminary Environmental Information Report and all the work undertaken so far.
As determined by the National Grid-led Holistic Network Design review, the cables will connect to the existing National Grid Penwortham substation in North West England.
The Morgan Offshore Wind Farm is being developed under a joint venture between BP and EnBW and the Morecambe Offshore Windfarm is being developed under a joint venture between Cobra and Flotation Energy.
Located in the Irish Sea, both projects have the combined potential generation of approximately 2GW when operational and could contribute to the UK Government’s ambition of 50GW of offshore wind power by 2030.
Throughout October and November 2023, several events will be hosted across different locations in North West England and the Isle of Man.
These events will provide an opportunity for local residents and stakeholders to learn more about each project and ask questions.
The full events schedule is available online and is open for those wanting to provide feedback on the consultation or find out more about the project’s transmission assets.
Although Morgan and Morecambe aim to share their transmission works, and the projects are closely linked, both wind farms are expected to submit their own development consent orders.
The applications for those orders are expected to be submitted in 2024.
Richard Haydock, programme director, UK offshore wind, BP, said: “We are absolutely committed to making sure we deliver the project in a way that works for people who live and work in the areas where the transmission assets are located.
“Feedback will help shape our proposals and provide us with vital local knowledge as we develop our plans. We look forward to the continued discussions and getting closer to delivering UK offshore wind power.”
Al Rayner, Project Director for Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Ltd, said: “Consultation is a vital step in the successful delivery of Morecambe and Morgan, and we welcome the opportunity to further engage with our local community groups and residents to understand, address and mitigate any potential impacts.”