AN application for consent to build the first phase of Hornsea – a Round Three offshore wind farm that offers huge potential for the area – has now been accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate.
A decision on the huge scheme, which will bring generated electricity ashore at Horseshoe Point, skirting round North East Lincolnshire to tap into the National Grid at North Killingholme, is anticipated by the end of next year.
Brought forward by the SMart Wind consortium, a joint venture from Mainstream Renewable Power, Siemens Project Ventures and Dong Energy, it will follow the same consenting route as Able Marine Energy Park, with a recommendation to be made by the body, which will then be considered by a Government minister.
Chris Jenner, environment and consents manager at Mainstream Renewable Power, said: "Project One, the first offshore wind farm in the Round Three Hornsea Zone, covers 407 square kilometres located 103 kilometres off the Yorkshire coast with associated electrical transmission infrastructure to a grid connection point at North Killingholme.
"When complete, it will deliver up to 1.2GW of generation capacity and bring low carbon power to the UK and much needed economic growth to the Humber region."
The data-collecting meteorological masts are already operated and maintained from Grimsby, with RES winning the work.
Subject to any subsequent final investment decision, should it be granted, Mr Jenner said the project would then progress into the construction phase.
A full set of accepted application documents and advice on how to participate in the examination process is available to download from both the SMart Wind and Planning Inspectorate websites.
It comes as more details emerge about the second phase, Project Two. It will have a generating capacity of up to 1,800MW. Larger turbines – 5MW to 15MW – have been proposed and it is anticipated that there will be up to 360 wind turbines.
As both phase one and phase two have the same grid connection route to the same substation at North Killingholme, environmental and engineering surveys undertaken have been designed to cover the combined footprint.
Mr Jenner said: "Following analysis of the comments received following the Phase One consultation for Project Two held in February 2013, the various environmental assessment and engineering studies for Project Two are continuing to progress.
"We are planning to hold a second and final phase of consultation in early 2014 to present our preliminary environmental information with a submission to the Planning Inspectorate anticipated in quarter three of 2014."
ON THE WEB: Have your say on wind technology at www. grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
