Implications for Norfolk/Suffolk

Constraints

Noise

Due to their offshore location, noise from wind farms is unlikely to be a problem.

Visual Impact

Due to their offshore location, the visual impact of wind farms is unlikely to be a problem. The Round One wind farms located in territorial waters (up to 12 miles off the coast) may be visible, such as those at Scroby Sands, however, the Round Two developments planned further out to sea are unlikely to be seen from land at all.

Seabed damage

The seabed off the coast of Norfolk and Suffolk is predominantly chalk covered by a mobile layer of sand. It is unlikely that wind turbines would adversely affect the seabed or coastline although there is anecdotal evidence that scour as deep as seven metres is occurring around wind turbine piles. More research into this and into sandbank movement is needed and is being conducted.

Shipping Lanes

Before being granted consent, shipping lanes must be identified to ensure that wind turbines do not interfere with shipping routes or pleasure craft. Collisions with offshore wind farms far out at sea are as unlikely as vessels colliding with oil rigs.

Fishing

Consents for Round One wind farms, including Scroby Sands, were granted after a thorough consideration of the impact of the proposed wind farms on fishing activity. The size of Round Two developments is likely to have a greater impact on the fishing industry than those of Round One. The government has not yet given consents for development of Round Two sites, but wind farms are unlikely to be situated in recognised fishing areas.The DTI chairs a liaison group which brings together the offshore renewables and fishing industries to discuss issues of concern to each side. Studies have shown that some wind turbine foundations can cause an increase in fish populations as the foundations act as an artificial reef that can provide a food supply.

Marine Life

Sea mammal life is unlikely to be affected by wind turbines. Concerns were raised about noise disturbance from the turbines but a Sea Mammal Research Unit report shows that sea mammals that have had previous exposure to boats and other marine users were unaffected by wind turbine noise.

Birds

There are concerns about birds colliding with wind turbines and wind farms disturbing migratory routes and feeding areas. The Round One sights proposed in this region were all accepted by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as they were considered to have no adverse effects. However, there are concerns about Round Two sites as they will be located over much larger areas. There could be problems for sites off the north Norfolk coast as this is a popular wintering site for the red throated diver. As a result of a Strategic Environmental Assessment the government decided that wind farms should not be developed within 8km of the coast or within 13km in sensitive coastal areas. Studies from the offshore wind farm in North Hoyle have found no significant negative effects of wind turbines on bird populations. The increase in fish populations attributed to wind turbines have been found to attract bird populations to the area. Research into potential effects of bird life must be done on a case by case basis and will form an important part of the Environmental Impact Assessment.

Cost

Offshore wind farms installed within territorial waters and in shallow water may, according to the DTI, cost approximately £1000/kW. These costs are currently 30% more than for onshore wind farms but are expected to decrease as turbine size and technology increases.Some argue that investment in this industry could be better spent elsewhere.

For more information see:

www.cefas.co.uk/publications/files/windfarm-guidance.pdf

www.og.dti.gov.uk/offshore-wind-sea/process/envreport.htm

www.dti.gov.uk/energy/leg_and_reg/consents/guidance.pdf

Copyright © 2004 Archant Regional. All rights reserved. Terms and conditions