Representation by Scira Extension Limited and Dudgeon Extension Limited (Scira Extension Limited and Dudgeon Extension Limited)
- Date submitted
- 13 June 2024
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
GT R4 Limited, trading as Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind ("the Applicant"), is proposing to develop the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind project (“the Project”). This relevant representation is being made by Equinor New Energy Limited ("Equinor") on behalf of Scira Extension Limited (SEL) and Dudgeon Extension Limited (DEL) regarding the application for development consent for the proposed Project ("the Application"). DEL and SEL are the named undertakers of the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extensions Offshore Wind Farm Order 2024 (the "SEP and DEP DCO") and hold generation licences under the Electricity Act 1989. The SEP and DEP DCO grants development consent for two offshore wind farm projects under separate ownership, the Sheringham Shoal Extension Project (SEP) and the Dudgeon Extension Project (DEP). SEP will comprise up to 23 wind turbine generators (WTG) and up to one offshore substation platform. DEP will comprise up to 30 WTGs across two array areas, DEP North (DEP-N) and DEP South (DEP-S), and up to one offshore substation platform. The SEP, DEP-N and DEP-S array areas will be connected by interlink cables, with two offshore export cable circuits connecting the projects to the landfall in Weybourne, north Norfolk. Onshore infrastructure will connect the projects to the Norwich Main substation, south of Norwich. Equinor has met with and exchanged correspondence with the Applicant on behalf of SEL and DEL several times during 2022, 2023 and 2024 to discuss issues relating to the proximity of the respective projects and to share information in relation to HRA derogation proposals. Proximity and Overlap The Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon extension projects are located to the south of the order limits of the proposed Project (the "Order Limits"). The offshore export cable corridor of the proposed Project is located in proximity to the DEP-N array area. There is a small area of overlap with an area of the SEP and DEP DCO order limits. This area of overlap is identified on the SEP and DEP offshore works plans as an area for temporary works adjacent to the DEP-N array area. No permanent SEP and DEP infrastructure will be installed within the area of overlap. The Applicant and Equinor are progressing discussions on a commercial agreement to manage cooperation in and around the area of overlap. There is no overlap between the Order Limits and the SEP or DEP-S array areas. Nor is there proximity between the onshore elements of the respective projects. Underwater Noise Equinor has reviewed the Applicant's assessment of the potential impacts on marine mammals in relation to underwater noise, in particular with regards to the potential in-combination impacts on the protected feature of the Southern North Sea SAC. Equinor notes that SEP and DEP have been listed in Table 7.6 of the Report to Inform the Appropriate Assessment and that DEP has been considered in the in-combination assessment for noise in Table 10.3. Equinor will continue to engage with the Applicant in relation to the potential need for coordination of activities in the southern North Sea in relation to noise, in particular UXO clearance and piling. Equinor reserves the right to make further representations on behalf of SEL and DEL as part of the examination process but in the meantime will continue to engage with the Applicant to enter into an agreement to cover the matters identified in this relevant representation and to ensure the successful coexistence of the respective projects. Equinor will only be in a position to withdraw this relevant representation, on behalf of SEL and DEL, once the agreement has been completed.