Equinor is preparing to begin a first round of public consultations with local communities on its proposed 719MW extension to the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms, off the coast of Norfolk.
The developer will publish a Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) in summer 2020 as part of the planning application process.
Both proposed wind farms are classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), which means Equinor will apply for a Development Consent Order from the Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The SoCC document will set out how the developer will engage with the local community to ensure that people can provide comments and feedback on the plans as they develop.
Equinor is also working with local councils to ensure that the draft proposal takes their considerations into account.
The SoCC will detail the timeline for consultations, and how and where people and local communities can find information and contact Equinor.
In light of restrictions to public gatherings owing to Covid-19 Government guidance, the company said it is taking “extra care” to ensure that all interested parties will have access to all the information.
Equinor has operated out of Norfolk for close to a decade and currently employs over 100 people in the region.
Equinor has considered two alternative landfall locations for where the offshore export cables for the extension will come ashore, Weybourne and Bacton.
Weybourne has been selected as the landfall point, supported by technical and environmental analysis.
Equinor project leader Kari Hege Mork said: “The decision about the landfall point has been made on a balance of considerations including technical feasibility and ensuring minimum harm to the environment.
“We recognise that the community of Weybourne has been affected by the construction of previous offshore wind farms, and we want to work with the local Parish Council, residents and landowners to develop the plans in the most environmentally responsible and considerate way.”
Hege Mork added: “Through our consultation process we will be encouraging local people to help inform our site selection process for the location of the onshore substation area and refinement of the onshore cable route.
“We have been operating out of Norfolk for around a decade, and we will continue to be a good neighbour in the communities where we work.”
Equinor is intending to increase the area within the project search boundary in several locations along the onshore cable corridor.
The scoping boundary was published in October 2019.
Equinor said the changes are needed in order for it to consider alternative cable route options where there are other infrastructure projects and environmental sensitivities.
Hege Mork added: “As the project develops we will work with local councils, stakeholders and the communities in affected areas.
“It is extremely important to us that the plans are well-informed and take all available information into account. We look forward to engaging with the community when the consultation starts this summer and maintaining channels of open dialogue.”