London Array achieved some of its final key construction milestones for the onshore substation at Cleve Hill. The North Wall was completed at the end of 2011, when it installed the final six steel and aluminium fins. In February this year, the London Array substation connected to the National Grid substation, so the wind farm now has a direct connection into the national electricity network.
Also in February, it carried out the last major concrete pour at the Cleve Hill site. This involved 30 HGVs travelling through the local area, so it timed it to take place during the school half-term holiday to reduce disruption.
Adding the finishing touches
During March, London Array successfully energised the substation’s transformers and carried out live commissioning of the electrical equipment. With the construction works drawing to a close, it now started demobilising the site. There’s already been a big drop in the amount of works it is carrying out and the number of HGV movements to site.
Looking ahead to Phase Two
By the end of 2012, it will have finished all the onshore works for Phase One. Then it needs to wait a while, possibly several years, before finding out if it’ll be allowed to proceed with Phase Two of London Array.
This depends on various factors, including the outcome of offshore bird monitoring surveys, and agreements with local and national statutory bodies. It also needs to obtain financial approval for Phase Two to proceed.
Proposed transition arrangements
After the completion of Phase One, the intention is to leave the Cleve Hill substation in a transitional state until it had confirmation about Phase Two. For example, it’ll remove all the contractors’ temporary cabins, but leave some hard standing in place so it can put cabins there in the future.
This transitional state will be in line with its approved design and landscape plans for Cleve Hill. By this time, all of the landscaping and tree planting activities will be finished and new gates to keep the site secure will be installed. London Array is still seeking formal approval from Swale Borough Council for its proposed transitional arrangements.
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Offshore WIND staff, May 18, 2012; Image: London Array