Royal HaskoningDHV has been contracted by Vattenfall Wind Power Ltd (VWPL) to continue into the next phase of the Kentish Flats Extension Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Kent in South East England.
Construction has now commenced on the project, which extends the existing capacity from 90MW to 140MW through the installation of fifteen 3.3MW turbines. The project is expected to start contributing energy to the grid in October 2015.
As the incumbent environmental consultancy, Royal HaskoningDHV has supported VWPL throughout the project since 2009, providing services including the initial site feasibility study, Environmental Impact Assessment, specialist marine mammal advice, stakeholder consultation and water quality sampling.
The Kentish Flats Extension Offshore Wind Farm was the first offshore wind development in England to get permission through the planning system for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Royal HaskoningDHV has subsequently provided environmental compliance documentation and is supporting the construction team as Environmental Liaison Officer, Consent Advisor and Environmental Manager.
Royal HaskoningDHV is currently on site, assisting VWPL in achieving 100% environmental compliance, including monitoring water quality and advising on ways to avoid/reduce potential impacts on marine mammals.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with VWPL throughout the Kentish Flats Extension Offshore Wind Farm project,” commented Gregory Shaw, Senior Environmental Scientist at Royal HaskoningDHV. “Our previous experience on the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm in particular showcased our considerable environmental expertise. The Kentish Flats Extension project extends our relationship with VWPL further and brings extensive benefits to the UK economy. We look forward to completing construction later this year.”