In 2010 Seagreen Wind Energy Limited (SWEL), which is wholly owned by SSE, was awarded exclusive development rights to the Firth of Forth Round 3 Offshore Wind Farm Development Zone 2 by the Crown Estate, under its third round of offshore wind licencing arrangements.
The Seagreen Phase 1 Offshore project comprises all the onshore infrastructure necessary to export the electricity generated by the Seagreen Alpha and Seagreen Bravo offshore wind farms with a generating capacity of up to 525MW each. The project is an integral part of the overall development in enabling the transmission of the electricity generated by the offshore wind farms. The project extends from Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS) to a connection point with the National Electrical Transmission Grid System (the Grid) at the existing substation at Tealing in Angus.
Working in conjunction with Stockton Drilling Ltd (SDL) and Stantec Ltd, our specialists completed a Feasibility Assessment for undertaking the cable landfall by Horizontal Directional Drill methods. The landfall will be near Carnoutsie, and particular challenges presented include an adjacent military firing range, a high tidal range, and variable depth to rockhead which shallows offshore. The feasibility assessment included production of an outline bore profile in plan and section, together with recommendations on additional survey works to inform detailed design and further reduce construction stage risks. The project builds on our existing experience of working with SDL and SSE.
Through a process of technical appraisal, the feasibility study identified the preferred method for landing cables, hence reducing risk and increasing cost certainty for SSE.
During the construction stage, we acted as on-site technical advisors to SSE for onshore crossings below the Dundee to Aberdeen railway line.
