Work at Sizewell beach, Suffolk has commenced on an important section of infrastructure for Galloper Offshore Wind Farm. The Galloper team are preparing for the installation of the export cables that will bring the power generated from the offshore wind farm to the onshore substation that will connect to the National Grid.
Toby Edmonds, Project Director of Galloper Wind Farm Limited said:
“In March, our team started work on Sizewell beach, preparing for the installation of the cables that will bring the power generated from the wind farm offshore to the substation onshore. The works will continue at intervals throughout the spring and summer months. Whilst there will be visible activity, the beach will remain open and the single designated construction area will be clearly signposted and secured. Once all the works are complete, in Summer 2017, the beach will be returned to its original condition.”
Due to the nature of the work and to maximise the health and safety of those carrying it out, much of it is required to be done when weather and tidal conditions are at their best. Normal working hours will be 7am to 7pm, from Monday to Saturday, for the majority of the construction process. Neighbours and the local authority will be informed of any work due to take place outside of normal working hours. Work is also continuing at the substation construction site north of Sizewell Gap Road and offshore, surveys are continuing.
The two export cables used to link the offshore substation to the onshore network will be provided by nkt Cables. The contract is to supply approximately 94km of 132kV high voltage submarine cables, the first phase will be delivered ready for installation in late 2016, with the second and last phase delivered ready for installation in 2017. The cable installation works will be carried out by VBMS UK who have also been contracted to supply & install Galloper’s array cables.
If any members of the public or local residents have any enquiries they can phone the Galloper general enquiry line Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4pm on 0845 078 2941. Out of hours and emergency enquiries can be directed to the RWE UK Wind Control Centre on 0845 078 2922. Enquiries can also be emailed to the team on info@galloperwindfarm.com Further information about the project can be found at the Galloper website www.galloperwindfarm.com
To date the Galloper project team have hosted several information drop-in sessions and issued construction community newsletters to keep local residents and stakeholders informed of activity. The next information drop-in sessions will be held at Sizewell Sports and Social Club, Leiston, on Friday the 13th May between 4pm and 7pm and Saturday the 14th May between 10am and 1pm.
Construction of Galloper is being led on behalf of the project partners by RWE Innogy UK. The project represents an investment potential of around £1.5 billion and will create around 700 jobs during construction and up 100 once operational. The average annual generation expected from the 336MW project is estimated to be equivalent to the approximate domestic needs of around 336,000 average UK households.