BP and EnBW have rejected a proposal from BAE Systems that could force the temporary shutdown of the planned 1.5GW Mona wind farm off north-west England to prevent interference with radar.
The developers told the UK energy secretary the suggested measure, which would oblige the duo to cease generation in the event of a failure to other approved radar mitigation schemes at the Warton aerodrome in Lancashire, was “unacceptable” and “could undermine grid stability”.
They warned Ed Miliband, who is due to make a final permit decision on the 96-turbine array by mid-July, that BAE’s proposed requirement that wind farm operations are paused until such a failure was repaired at the developers’ own cost contradicted Civil Aviation Authority policy and precedent, according to paperwork.
BP, EnBW added the aerospace giant’s request, which has also been made as part of the consent application for Cobra and Flotation Energy’s neighbouring 480MW Morecambe wind farm, would lead to a “potential loss of revenue for an indefinite period of time” and present a “significant challenge” to making a final investment decision on the Irish Sea development.
Miliband has asked the developers to confirm by 23 June they have reached agreement with BAE and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on a full package of radar mitigation measures for the Warton aerodrome.