Phase two community consultations for Equinor’s Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farm extension projects (SEP and DEP) off the Norfolk coast, in the UK, have begun.
The Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) for the extensions has also been published today.
During this six-week period of community consultation Equinor is seeking feedback on all aspects of its proposals, but in particular relating to refinement of the 200 metres wide onshore cable corridor, preferred options for onshore construction compound locations, refinement of the landfall working area and landfall cable corridor routing proposals.
Other matters include the shortlisted onshore substation site options, onshore substation access options and offshore array area and seascape views.
The two projects will double the capacity of the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms, off the Norfolk coast.
The development of SEP and DEP are being brought forward by operator Equinor on behalf of the owners.
Equinor has publicised various communication channels to invite community feedback and to ensure that all interested parties have access to all the information about the two offshore wind farm extension projects.
These include a consultation website https://sepanddep.commonplace.is where members of the public can provide their comments via an interactive digital engagement platform
There is also a virtual exhibition https://event.sepanddep.co.uk and interactive online space with more information about the projects and the planning and construction processes, summarising key findings from the PEIR.
People can also access Q&A sessions, which are available to attend online or over the telephone, to learn about the proposals from the project team and ask questions.
Additionally, over 11,000 homes and businesses near to the proposed onshore cable corridor route from Weybourne to the Norwich Main substation have been mailed a community consultation leaflet and feedback form.
Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm is owned by Equinor, Masdar and China Resources, whilst the shareholders in the Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm are Equinor, Equitix and Green Investment Group.
SEP and DEP project director Kari Hege Mork said: “We were very pleased with the community response to the phase one consultation which supported further development of our proposals, and would like to thank everyone that took the time to respond.
“Despite physical restrictions in place, we received a huge amount of engagement and much of that feedback has been incorporated into the refined project plans which we are now presenting.
“We look forward to updating the Norfolk communities on how the plans have progressed, continuing to involve and receive their comments on the proposals.”
SEP and DEP are classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) which means Equinor will apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
The PEIR contains the refined plans following last year’s phase one community consultation, which took place during July and August 2020, together with the results from the numerous environmental surveys and studies which have been taking place since late 2019.
It also includes landscape and seascape visualisations of the proposals.
Equinor and its partners are seeking to minimise potential impacts on the community and the environment by pursuing a shared onshore footprint for the two projects and applying for one common DCO.
Two separately owned projects have never made a common DCO application before, and it is hoped this joined-up approach will pave the way for other coordinated projects in the UK, Equinor said.
It intends to submit the joint DCO application by the end of 2021.
A summary report will be issued after this phase two community consultation, to explain how the feedback received has been considered in the further development of the projects.