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Indicative array layout

There are likely to be 15 pre-consented turbines in three rows/arrays, increasing in distance offshore and with water depths of approx, 35, 45 and 55 metres to allow testing of alternative installation and foundation types.

The turbines will be approximately 1km apart within an array/row, and approx 5.5km apart between arrays. A single array of subsea cables and turbines will measure approximately 4km in length.

An indicative 4 array layout of the turbines was initially identified based on water depth, and on Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)  guidance relating to vessel movements and was drafted as a ‘layout for discussion’.  The current layout has unfortunately become fixed due to  aviation issues relating to the radar at Newcastle Airport  and resulted in the loss of array 1 in shallow water, leaving a 3 array layout (array 2, array 3 North and array 4).

Under the safety case agreement with the airport we are unable to alter these locations, other than micro-siting by perhaps in the order of 100-200metres. However, we believe that technology fixes for the Newcastle Airport radar may become available over the next 2 years and therefore we have retained the option of array 1 and added array ‘3 South’.

By surveying and assessing all 5 array options, we are maintaining some flexibility in locations which will go forward.  We are also awaiting the results of consultation with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) with respect to military radar, but we think there may be conflict between array 3North and military radar. 

At this stage we will consult  on all 5 array options until we have more clarity on arrays, and whether we have any flexibility in moving turbines to accommodate marine users.

Narec will seek to bury export cables by means of trenching or ploughing and will where possible avoid surface laying of cabling in areas where rockhead is close to the seabed surface. Cables are usually buried to a depth of at least 1 metre to ensure protection against damage from fishing gear/anchors and also to mitigate the perceived effect of electromagnetic interference (‘EMF’) on fish species.

There is likely to be one export cable to shore from each array and at this stage we are anticipating 3 export cables which will come to the shore in a ‘cable corridor’ rather than at 3 separate landing points.

Sector Contact

Doug Everard - Project Manager - Offshore Demonstrator
Email.doug.everard@narec.co.uk

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