Jump to content

Race Bank wind farm: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 53°16′30″N 0°50′00″E / 53.275°N 0.8333°E / 53.275; 0.8333
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Xiiophen (talk | contribs)
Construction: uppercase per proper name and site consistency (Second World War)
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 32 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox power station
{{Infobox power station
| name = Race Bank Wind Farm
| location = 27 km off the coast of north [[Norfolk]]
| name_official =
| construction_began = 2016
| image =
| wind_offshore_depth = 26 m
| wind_offshore_distance = 32 km
| image_size =
}}
| image_caption =
{{maplink
| image_alt =
|frame=yes
| location_map = England
|frame-height=340
| location_map_size =
|frame-lat= 53.2802
| location_map_caption =
|frame-long=0.8492
| location_map_alt =
|zoom=11
| lat_d = 53.276
|text=Wind farm layout
| lat_m =
|from=Wind turbines Race Bank.map
| lat_s =
| lat_NS =
| long_d = 0.841
| long_m =
| long_s =
| long_EW =
| coordinates_type = type:landmark
| coordinates_display = inline,title
| country = [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]
| location = 27 km off the coast of north [[Norfolk]]
| status = consented
| construction_began =
| commissioned =
| decommissioned =
| cost =
| owner =
| operator =
<!------------------------- WIND FARMS -->
| wind_farm_type = Offshore
| wind_site_elevation =
| wind_site_usage =
| wind_site_area =
| wind_offshore_depth = 26 m
| wind_offshore_distance = 32 km
| wind_hub_height =
| wind_rotor_diameter = 154 m
| wind_rated_speed =
<!------------------------- GENERAL -->

| ps_units_operational =
| ps_units_manu_model = Siemens 6MW
| ps_units_uc =
| ps_units_planned = 91
| ps_units_decommissioned=
| ps_electrical_capacity = up to 580&nbsp;MW
| ps_electrical_cap_fac =
| ps_annual_generation =
| website = [http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/uk-business-activities/wind-power/offshore-wind-farms-in-the-uk/race-bank Race Bank (Dong Energy)]
| extra =
}}
}}


'''Race Bank Wind Farm''' is a proposed 580&nbsp;MW [[Round 2 wind farm|Round 2 offshore wind farm]] located 27&nbsp;km north of [[Blakeney Point]] off the coast of [[Norfolk]], and 28&nbsp;km east of [[Chapel St Leonards]] off the [[Lincolnshire]] coast in the [[North Sea]].
'''Race Bank Wind Farm''' is a 573&nbsp;MW [[Round 2 wind farm|Round 2 offshore wind farm]] located 27&nbsp;km north of [[Blakeney Point]] off the coast of [[Norfolk]], and 28&nbsp;km east of [[Chapel St Leonards]] off the [[Lincolnshire]] coast in the [[North Sea]]. The farm was commissioned in February 2018.


==History==
==History==
Line 59: Line 22:
===Planning===
===Planning===


In 2002 the UK government designated the ''Greater Wash strategic area'' as potential offshore wind farm development region.<ref name="nt2009p3">[[#nontech2009|Race Bank - ES Non-technical Summary]] (January 2009) p.3</ref> In 2004, Centrica was awarded a lease by [[The Crown Estate]] during the [[Round 2 wind farm]] leasing process to develop a wind farm on Race Bank. The wind farm site was located on a sandbank approximately {{convert|27|km}} north of the north Norfolk coast, and {{convert|28|km}} east of the Lincolnshire coast, with an estimated maximum capacity of 620&nbsp;MW. The scheme was developed in association with [[AMEC]] and the [[RES Group]]. The wind farm was to connect to the [[National Grid (Great Britain)|National Grid]] at [[Walpole, Norfolk|Walpole]], together with two of Centrica's other Round 2 wind farms, [[Lincs Wind Farm]] and [[Docking Shoal wind farm|Docking Shoal Wind Farm]].<ref>[[#cenhis|Race Bank project history]] (Centrica)</ref>{{#tag:ref|Lincs, Docking Shoal and Race Bank wind farms were to share the same onshore cable export route, and onshore substation.<ref name="nt2009p3"/> The environmental statement for the onshore works was submitted as part of the [[Lincs Wind Farm]] application.<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/lincs_nontechnical_summary.pdf| title = Lincs Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Statement : Non-Technical Summary| date = January 2007 | work = www.centrica.com| pages =3, 5, 11| ref=nontech2007}}</ref>|group="note"|name="shared"}}
In 2002 the UK government designated the ''Greater Wash strategic area'' as potential offshore wind farm development region.<ref name="nt2009p3">[[#nontech2009|Race Bank - ES Non-technical Summary]] (January 2009) p.3</ref> In 2004, Centrica was awarded a lease by [[The Crown Estate]] during the [[Round 2 wind farm]] leasing process to develop a wind farm on Race Bank. The wind farm site was located on a sandbank approximately {{convert|27|km}} north of the north Norfolk coast, and {{convert|28|km}} east of the Lincolnshire coast, with an estimated maximum capacity of 620&nbsp;MW. The scheme was developed in association with [[AMEC]] and the [[RES Group]]. The wind farm was to connect to the [[National Grid (Great Britain)|National Grid]] at [[Walpole, Norfolk|Walpole]], together with two of Centrica's other Round 2 wind farms, [[Lincs Wind Farm]] and [[Docking Shoal wind farm|Docking Shoal Wind Farm]].<ref>[[#cenhis|Race Bank project history]] (Centrica)</ref>{{#tag:ref|Lincs, Docking Shoal and Race Bank wind farms were to share the same onshore cable export route, and onshore substation.<ref name="nt2009p3"/> The environmental statement for the onshore works was submitted as part of the [[Lincs Wind Farm]] application.<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/lincs_nontechnical_summary.pdf| title = Lincs Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Statement : Non-Technical Summary| date = January 2007| work = www.centrica.com| pages = 3, 5, 11| ref = nontech2007| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223846/http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/lincs_nontechnical_summary.pdf| archive-date = 12 May 2014| df = dmy-all}}</ref>|group="note"|name="shared"}}


In 2009 [[Centrica]] submitted a planning consent application for a wind farm of up 620&nbsp;MW capacity.<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/23jan2008_news_centrica_seeks_consent.pdf |type = press release| date = 23 January 2009| title = Centrica seeks consent for Race Bank offshore wind farm| publisher = Centrica}}</ref> The proposed wind farm covered an area of {{convert|75|km2}} at water depths of {{convert|4|to|22|m}}.<ref>[[#nontech2009|Race Bank - ES Non-technical Summary]] (January 2009) p.4</ref>
In 2009 [[Centrica]] submitted a planning consent application for a wind farm of up 620&nbsp;MW capacity.<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/23jan2008_news_centrica_seeks_consent.pdf| type = press release| date = 23 January 2009| title = Centrica seeks consent for Race Bank offshore wind farm| publisher = Centrica| access-date = 24 November 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708133545/http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/23jan2008_news_centrica_seeks_consent.pdf| archive-date = 8 July 2011| url-status = dead}}</ref> The proposed wind farm covered an area of {{convert|75|km2}} at water depths of {{convert|4|to|22|m}}.<ref>[[#nontech2009|Race Bank - ES Non-technical Summary]] (January 2009) p.4</ref>


In July 2012 the government gave planning approval for Centrica to construct a wind farm to the capacity of 580&nbsp;MW.<ref>{{citation | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-18735802 | title=Wind farms off East coast approved by government | work=BBC News Norfolk |date=6 July 2012 }}</ref>
In July 2012 the government gave planning approval for Centrica to construct a wind farm to the capacity of 580&nbsp;MW.<ref>{{citation | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-18735802 | title=Wind farms off East coast approved by government | work=BBC News Norfolk | date=6 July 2012 | access-date=30 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926004850/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-18735802 | archive-date=26 September 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref>


In November 2013 the project failed to be shortlisted for early [[contract for difference]] subsidies from the [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]], putting the future of the project in doubt; in December 2013, Centrica sold the project to [[DONG Energy]] for £50&nbsp;million.<ref>{{citation| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-25362863| title = Norfolk Race Bank wind farm sold to DONG Energy for £50m| date = 13 December 2013| work = BBC News Norfolk|}}</ref><ref>{{citation| url = http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/dong-buys-troubled-race-bank-offshore-windfarm-from-centrica/957272#.U2-HDKJyrmg| title = Dong buys troubled Race Bank offshore windfarm from Centrica| date = 13 December 2013| work = utilityweek.co.uk}}</ref>
In November 2013 the project failed to be shortlisted for early [[contract for difference]] subsidies from the [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]], putting the future of the project in doubt; in December 2013, Centrica sold the project to [[DONG Energy]] for £50&nbsp;million.<ref>{{citation| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-25362863| title = Norfolk Race Bank wind farm sold to DONG Energy for £50m| date = 13 December 2013| work = BBC News Norfolk| access-date = 30 July 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161007110127/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-25362863| archive-date = 7 October 2016| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{citation| url = http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/dong-buys-troubled-race-bank-offshore-windfarm-from-centrica/957272#.U2-HDKJyrmg| title = Dong buys troubled Race Bank offshore windfarm from Centrica| date = 13 December 2013| work = utilityweek.co.uk| access-date = 11 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215340/http://utilityweek.co.uk/news/dong-buys-troubled-race-bank-offshore-windfarm-from-centrica/957272#.U2-HDKJyrmg| archive-date = 3 March 2016| url-status = live}}</ref>


As of May 2014, Dong Energy estimated that onshore construction will begin in spring 2015 at the earliest, followed by offshore construction in spring 2016.<ref>[[#dongmay2014|Race Bank (project update)]] (Dong Energy, May 2014), p.4</ref>
As of May 2014, Dong Energy estimated that onshore construction will begin in spring 2015 at the earliest, followed by offshore construction in spring 2016.<ref>[[#dongmay2014|Race Bank (project update)]] (Dong Energy, May 2014), p.4</ref>


[[File:Electrical offshore substation ROW01-Z01 on Sarens barge Caroline.jpg|thumb|Transport of ''ROW01-Z01'', one of the two Race Bank wind farm's substations, topside and jacket on a barge, March 2017]]
In late 2014 Dong applied for a variation of the original (2009) planning consent, substituting two larger offshore substations for the three originally consented.<ref>{{citation| url = https://assets.dongenergy.com/DONGEnergyDocuments/uk/Application_letter_to_DECC_Race_Bank_s36_Consent_variation_EN.pdf| title = The Electricity Generating Stations (Variation of Consents) (England and Wales) Regulations 2013 ("the 2013 Regulations")|type = communication| date = 10 Dec 2014| publisher =Dong Energy }}</ref> The new substations were to use improved technology and export electrical power at up to 220kV AC.{{sfn|Section 36 variation|2014|loc=§1.3.1}} The new substations were to be supported on four legged jacket foundations secured to the sea floor with pin piles;{{sfn|Section 36 variation, environmental information|2014|loc = § 1.23, 1.3.1-1.3.3}} as a consequence of the change the number of export cables was to be reduced to two.{{sfn|Section 36 variation, environmental information|2014|loc = Table 3.1, pp.27-29 }} The [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] consented the changes in March 2015.<ref>{{citation| url =http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/uk-business-activities/wind-power/offshore-wind-farms-in-the-uk/race-bank/race-bank-section-36-variation| title = Race Bank Section 36 Variation| accessdate = Feb 2016| publisher = Dong Energy }}</ref>
In late 2014 DONG Energy applied for a variation of the original (2009) planning consent, substituting two larger offshore substations for the three originally consented.<ref>{{citation| url = https://assets.dongenergy.com/DONGEnergyDocuments/uk/Application_letter_to_DECC_Race_Bank_s36_Consent_variation_EN.pdf| title = The Electricity Generating Stations (Variation of Consents) (England and Wales) Regulations 2013 ("the 2013 Regulations")|type = communication| date = 10 December 2014| publisher =Dong Energy }}</ref> The new substations were to use improved technology and export electrical power at up to 220kV AC.{{sfn|Section 36 variation|2014|loc=§1.3.1}} The new substations were to be supported on four-legged jacket foundations secured to the sea floor with pin piles;{{sfn|Section 36 variation, environmental information|2014|loc = § 1.23, 1.3.1-1.3.3}} as a consequence of the change the number of export cables was to be reduced to two.{{sfn|Section 36 variation, environmental information|2014|loc = Table 3.1, pp.27-29 }} The [[Department of Energy and Climate Change]] consented the changes in March 2015.<ref>{{citation| url =http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/uk-business-activities/wind-power/offshore-wind-farms-in-the-uk/race-bank/race-bank-section-36-variation| title =Race Bank Section 36 Variation| access-date =15 February 2016| publisher =Dong Energy| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160223032017/http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/uk-business-activities/wind-power/offshore-wind-farms-in-the-uk/race-bank/race-bank-section-36-variation| archive-date =23 February 2016| url-status =live}}</ref>

In June 2014 Dong committed to building the wind farm, which was to receive subsidies under the [[Renewables Obligation]] scheme (1.8 ROCs per MWh).<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Dong-Energy-build-Race-Bank-offshore-wind-farm/story-26760513-detail/story.html| title = Dong Energy to build Race Bank offshore wind farm| date = 24 June 2015| work = Grimsby Telegraph| access-date = 30 July 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150729231115/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Dong-Energy-build-Race-Bank-offshore-wind-farm/story-26760513-detail/story.html| archive-date = 29 July 2015| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{citation| url = http://www.dongenergy.com/en/investors/company-announcements/company-announcement-detail?omxid=829474| title = DONG Energy to build Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm in the UK| type = press release| date = 24 June 2015| publisher = Dong Energy| access-date = 30 July 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160813120524/http://www.dongenergy.com/en/investors/company-announcements/company-announcement-detail?omxid=829474| archive-date = 13 August 2016| url-status = live}}</ref>


===Construction===
===Construction===
Contracts for the construction were let from 2015: [[Turnkey]] supply and installation of electrical equipment for the farm was awarded to [[RXPE]] (China);<ref>{{citation| url = http://renews.biz/86276/chinese-double-up-with-dong/| title = Chinese double up with Dong| date = 27 March 2015| work = renews.biz }}</ref> NKT (Cologne) was awarded the contract for the 220kV export cables;<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/06/24/nkt-to-start-fabricating-race-banks-export-cables/| title = NKT to Start Fabricating Race Bank’s Export Cables| date = 24 June 2015 | work = www.offshorewind.biz }}</ref> the 36kV inter array cabling supply was contracted to JDR (Hartlepool);<ref>{{citation | url= http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/06/24/jdr-in-charge-of-race-banks-inter-array-cables/| title = JDR in Charge of Race Bank’s Inter-Array Cables | date = 24 June 2014| work = www.offshorewind.biz }}</ref> steel foundations to Bilfinger Mars Offshore;<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/07/08/bilfinger-wins-the-race/ | title =Bilfinger Wins the Race |date = 8 Jun 2015| work = www.offshorewind.biz }}</ref> an order for 91 6&nbsp;MW 154&nbsp;m [[Siemens Wind]] turbines was confirmed in mid-2015.<ref>{{citation| url=http://renews.biz/91208/siemens-wins-1-2gw-monster-order/| work = renews.biz| date = 3 July 2015| title =Siemens 1.2GW monster order }}</ref>
Contracts for the construction were let from 2015: [[Turnkey]] supply and installation of electrical equipment for the STATCOM for the farm was awarded to [[RXPE]] (China);<ref>{{citation| url = http://renews.biz/86276/chinese-double-up-with-dong/| title = Chinese double up with Dong| date = 27 March 2015| work = renews.biz| access-date = 27 March 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100526/http://renews.biz/86276/chinese-double-up-with-dong/| archive-date = 2 April 2015| url-status = live}}</ref> [[NKT Holding|NKT]] (Cologne) was awarded the contract for the 220kV export cables;<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/06/24/nkt-to-start-fabricating-race-banks-export-cables/| title = NKT to Start Fabricating Race Bank's Export Cables| date = 24 June 2015| work = www.offshorewind.biz| access-date = 30 July 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160801013751/http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/06/24/nkt-to-start-fabricating-race-banks-export-cables/| archive-date = 1 August 2016| url-status = live}}</ref> the 36kV intra-array cabling supply was contracted to [[JDR Cables|JDR]] (Hartlepool);<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/06/24/jdr-in-charge-of-race-banks-inter-array-cables/ | title = JDR in Charge of Race Bank's Inter-Array Cables | date = 24 June 2014 | work = www.offshorewind.biz | access-date = 30 July 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160311210041/http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/06/24/jdr-in-charge-of-race-banks-inter-array-cables/ | archive-date = 11 March 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> steel foundations to [[Bilfinger]] subsidiary Bilfinger Mars Offshore;<ref>{{citation | url = http://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/07/08/bilfinger-wins-the-race/ | title = Bilfinger Wins the Race | date = 8 June 2015 | work = www.offshorewind.biz | access-date = 30 July 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161104033624/https://www.offshorewind.biz/2015/07/08/bilfinger-wins-the-race/ | archive-date = 4 November 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref> and an order for 91 6&nbsp;MW 154&nbsp;m [[Siemens Wind]] turbines was confirmed in mid-2015.<ref>{{citation| url = http://renews.biz/91208/siemens-wins-1-2gw-monster-order/| work = renews.biz| date = 3 July 2015| title = Siemens 1.2GW monster order| access-date = 3 July 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150703171821/http://renews.biz/91208/siemens-wins-1-2gw-monster-order/| archive-date = 3 July 2015| url-status = live}}</ref>

The turbines will be installed in waters of depth {{convert|6|to|26|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.power-technology.com/news/newssiemens-wins-turbine-supply-contract-for-race-bank-offshore-wind-project-in-uk-4616040|title=Siemens wins turbine supply contract for Race Bank offshore wind project in UK|work=power-technology.com|date=5 July 2015 |access-date=6 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706221716/http://www.power-technology.com/news/newssiemens-wins-turbine-supply-contract-for-race-bank-offshore-wind-project-in-uk-4616040|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}}

In July 2015 MMT was contracted to clear the cable route of possible unexploded ordnance.<ref>{{citation| url = http://renews.biz/92458/race-bank-win-for-mmt/| title = Race Bank win for MMT| date = 27 July 2015| work = renews.biz| access-date = 27 July 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150727195642/http://renews.biz/92458/race-bank-win-for-mmt/| archive-date = 27 July 2015| url-status = live}}</ref> Over 40 [[Second World War]] bombs were located along the cable export route, which were either removed or destroyed ''in situ''.<ref>{{citation| url = http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Explosions-Dong-Energy-s-Race-Bank-wind-farm-site/story-27983748-detail/story.html| title = Explosions at Dong Energy's Race Bank wind farm site as WWII bombs are safely detonated - video| date = 15 October 2015| work = Grimsby Telegraph| access-date = 30 July 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151018053643/http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Explosions-Dong-Energy-s-Race-Bank-wind-farm-site/story-27983748-detail/story.html| archive-date = 18 October 2015| url-status = live}}</ref>

The first monopile foundation was installed by July 2016.<ref>{{citation| url =http://renews.biz/103269/race-bank-off-the-mark| title =Race Bank off the mark| date =1 July 2016| work =renews.biz| access-date =30 July 2019| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170803221035/http://renews.biz/103269/race-bank-off-the-mark/| archive-date =3 August 2017| url-status =live}}</ref>


===Operation===
The turbines will be installed in waters of depth {{convert|6|to|26|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.power-technology.com/news/newssiemens-wins-turbine-supply-contract-for-race-bank-offshore-wind-project-in-uk-4616040|title=Siemens wins turbine supply contract for Race Bank offshore wind project in UK|work=power-technology.com|accessdate=6 July 2015}}</ref>
The farm was commissioned in February 2018.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2 February 2018|title=Full power at Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm|url=https://orsted.com/en/Media/Newsroom/News/2018/02/Full-power-at-Race-Bank-Offshore-Wind-Farm|website=orsted.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214613/https://orsted.com/en/Media/Newsroom/News/2018/02/Full-power-at-Race-Bank-Offshore-Wind-Farm|archive-date=12 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


==See also==
In July 2015 MMT was contracted to clear the cable route of possible unexploded ordnance.<ref>{{citation| url = http://renews.biz/92458/race-bank-win-for-mmt/| title = Race Bank win for MMT| date =27 July 2015| work = renews.biz }}</ref>
{{Portal|England|Weather|Renewable energy}}
* [[List of offshore wind farms]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 87: Line 62:
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
*{{citation| url = http://www.4coffshore.com/windfarms/race-bank-united-kingdom-uk18.html| title = Race Bank| work = www.4coffshore.com| ref= 4c}}
*{{citation| url = http://www.4coffshore.com/windfarms/race-bank-united-kingdom-uk18.html| title = Race Bank| work = www.4coffshore.com| ref= 4c}}
*{{citation| url = http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/race_bank_prject_history.pdf | title = Race Bank project history| publisher = Centrica| archivedate = 20 Oct 2013| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131020092400/http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/race_bank_prject_history.pdf| ref= cenhis}}
*{{citation| url = http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/race_bank_prject_history.pdf | title = Race Bank project history| publisher = Centrica| archive-date = 20 October 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131020092400/http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/race_bank_prject_history.pdf| ref= cenhis}}
*{{citation | url= https://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/racebank_nontechnical_summary.pdf | title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm - Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary| date = January 2009| publisher = Centrica| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708133401/http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/racebank_nontechnical_summary.pdf| archivedate = 8 Jul 2011| ref=nontech2009}}
*{{citation | url= https://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/racebank_nontechnical_summary.pdf | title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm - Environmental Statement Non-Technical Summary| date = January 2009| publisher = Centrica| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708133401/http://www.centrica.com/files/pdf/centrica_energy/racebank_nontechnical_summary.pdf| archive-date = 8 July 2011| ref=nontech2009}}
**{{citation| url =https://assets.dongenergy.com/DONGEnergyDocuments/uk/Non-Technical_Summary_of_the_Environmental_Report_Race_Bank_s36_consent_variation_EN.pdf| title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm Section 36 Consent Variation: Supporting Environmental Information - Non-Technical Summary| date = 8 Dec 2014| publisher =Dong Energy| ref = {{harvid|Section 36 variation|2014}} }}
**{{citation| url =https://assets.dongenergy.com/DONGEnergyDocuments/uk/Non-Technical_Summary_of_the_Environmental_Report_Race_Bank_s36_consent_variation_EN.pdf| title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm Section 36 Consent Variation: Supporting Environmental Information - Non-Technical Summary| date = 8 December 2014| publisher =Dong Energy| ref = {{harvid|Section 36 variation|2014}} }}
**{{citation| url =https://assets.dongenergy.com/DONGEnergyDocuments/uk/RBs36%20Environmental%20Report/3.0%20DONG%20Energy%20Race%20Bank%20s36%20Variation%20SEI%20Final%20Report.pdf | title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm - Electricity Act 1989 Section 36 Consent Variation: Supporting Environmental Information| date = 8 Dec 2014| publisher =Dong Energy| ref = {{harvid|Section 36 variation, environmental information|2014}} }}
**{{citation| url =https://assets.dongenergy.com/DONGEnergyDocuments/uk/RBs36%20Environmental%20Report/3.0%20DONG%20Energy%20Race%20Bank%20s36%20Variation%20SEI%20Final%20Report.pdf | title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm - Electricity Act 1989 Section 36 Consent Variation: Supporting Environmental Information| date = 8 December 2014| publisher =Dong Energy| ref = {{harvid|Section 36 variation, environmental information|2014}} }}
*{{citation| url = http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/EN/UK_Business_activities/renewables/windfarms/Documents/Race%20Bank%20Briefing%20Pack.pdf| title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm (project update May 2014)| date = May 2014|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029132601/http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/EN/UK_Business_activities/renewables/windfarms/Documents/Race%20Bank%20Briefing%20Pack.pdf| archivedate = 20 Oct 2014| publisher = Dong Energy| ref= dongmay2014}}
*{{citation| url = http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/EN/UK_Business_activities/renewables/windfarms/Documents/Race%20Bank%20Briefing%20Pack.pdf| title = Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm (project update May 2014)| date = May 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141029132601/http://www.dongenergy.co.uk/EN/UK_Business_activities/renewables/windfarms/Documents/Race%20Bank%20Briefing%20Pack.pdf| archive-date=29 October 2014| publisher = Dong Energy| ref= dongmay2014}}
{{refend}}
{{refend}}


{{stack|}}
{{Wind power in the United Kingdom}}
{{Wind power in the United Kingdom}}
{{East Midlands powerstations}}
{{East Midlands powerstations}}


[[Category:Wind farms in England]]
[[Category:Wind farms in England]]
[[Category:Proposed wind farms in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Offshore wind farms in the North Sea]]
[[Category:Offshore wind farms in the North Sea]]
[[Category:North Sea energy]]
[[Category:Round 2 offshore wind farms]]
[[Category:Round 2 offshore wind farms]]
[[Category:DONG Energy wind farms]]
[[Category:Ørsted (company) wind farms]]
[[Category:2018 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Energy infrastructure completed in 2018]]

Latest revision as of 11:12, 1 December 2023

Race Bank Wind Farm
Map
Country
  • United Kingdom
Location27 km off the coast of north Norfolk
Coordinates53°16′30″N 0°50′00″E / 53.275°N 0.8333°E / 53.275; 0.8333
StatusOperational
Construction began2016
Commission date
  • February 2018
Owners
Wind farm
Type
Max. water depth26 m
Distance from shore32 km
Rotor diameter
  • 154 m (505 ft)
Power generation
Units operational91 × 6 MW
Make and modelSiemens Gamesa SWT-6.0-154 (91)
Nameplate capacity
  • 573 MW
Map
Wind farm layout

Race Bank Wind Farm is a 573 MW Round 2 offshore wind farm located 27 km north of Blakeney Point off the coast of Norfolk, and 28 km east of Chapel St Leonards off the Lincolnshire coast in the North Sea. The farm was commissioned in February 2018.

History

[edit]

Planning

[edit]

In 2002 the UK government designated the Greater Wash strategic area as potential offshore wind farm development region.[1] In 2004, Centrica was awarded a lease by The Crown Estate during the Round 2 wind farm leasing process to develop a wind farm on Race Bank. The wind farm site was located on a sandbank approximately 27 kilometres (17 mi) north of the north Norfolk coast, and 28 kilometres (17 mi) east of the Lincolnshire coast, with an estimated maximum capacity of 620 MW. The scheme was developed in association with AMEC and the RES Group. The wind farm was to connect to the National Grid at Walpole, together with two of Centrica's other Round 2 wind farms, Lincs Wind Farm and Docking Shoal Wind Farm.[2][note 1]

In 2009 Centrica submitted a planning consent application for a wind farm of up 620 MW capacity.[4] The proposed wind farm covered an area of 75 square kilometres (29 sq mi) at water depths of 4 to 22 metres (13 to 72 ft).[5]

In July 2012 the government gave planning approval for Centrica to construct a wind farm to the capacity of 580 MW.[6]

In November 2013 the project failed to be shortlisted for early contract for difference subsidies from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, putting the future of the project in doubt; in December 2013, Centrica sold the project to DONG Energy for £50 million.[7][8]

As of May 2014, Dong Energy estimated that onshore construction will begin in spring 2015 at the earliest, followed by offshore construction in spring 2016.[9]

Transport of ROW01-Z01, one of the two Race Bank wind farm's substations, topside and jacket on a barge, March 2017

In late 2014 DONG Energy applied for a variation of the original (2009) planning consent, substituting two larger offshore substations for the three originally consented.[10] The new substations were to use improved technology and export electrical power at up to 220kV AC.[11] The new substations were to be supported on four-legged jacket foundations secured to the sea floor with pin piles;[12] as a consequence of the change the number of export cables was to be reduced to two.[13] The Department of Energy and Climate Change consented the changes in March 2015.[14]

In June 2014 Dong committed to building the wind farm, which was to receive subsidies under the Renewables Obligation scheme (1.8 ROCs per MWh).[15][16]

Construction

[edit]

Contracts for the construction were let from 2015: Turnkey supply and installation of electrical equipment for the STATCOM for the farm was awarded to RXPE (China);[17] NKT (Cologne) was awarded the contract for the 220kV export cables;[18] the 36kV intra-array cabling supply was contracted to JDR (Hartlepool);[19] steel foundations to Bilfinger subsidiary Bilfinger Mars Offshore;[20] and an order for 91 6 MW 154 m Siemens Wind turbines was confirmed in mid-2015.[21]

The turbines will be installed in waters of depth 6 to 26 metres (20 to 85 ft).[22][unreliable source?]

In July 2015 MMT was contracted to clear the cable route of possible unexploded ordnance.[23] Over 40 Second World War bombs were located along the cable export route, which were either removed or destroyed in situ.[24]

The first monopile foundation was installed by July 2016.[25]

Operation

[edit]

The farm was commissioned in February 2018.[26]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Lincs, Docking Shoal and Race Bank wind farms were to share the same onshore cable export route, and onshore substation.[1] The environmental statement for the onshore works was submitted as part of the Lincs Wind Farm application.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Race Bank - ES Non-technical Summary (January 2009) p.3
  2. ^ Race Bank project history (Centrica)
  3. ^ "Lincs Offshore Wind Farm Environmental Statement : Non-Technical Summary" (PDF), www.centrica.com, pp. 3, 5, 11, January 2007, archived from the original (PDF) on 12 May 2014
  4. ^ Centrica seeks consent for Race Bank offshore wind farm (PDF) (press release), Centrica, 23 January 2009, archived from the original (PDF) on 8 July 2011, retrieved 24 November 2010
  5. ^ Race Bank - ES Non-technical Summary (January 2009) p.4
  6. ^ "Wind farms off East coast approved by government", BBC News Norfolk, 6 July 2012, archived from the original on 26 September 2015, retrieved 30 July 2019
  7. ^ "Norfolk Race Bank wind farm sold to DONG Energy for £50m", BBC News Norfolk, 13 December 2013, archived from the original on 7 October 2016, retrieved 30 July 2019
  8. ^ "Dong buys troubled Race Bank offshore windfarm from Centrica", utilityweek.co.uk, 13 December 2013, archived from the original on 3 March 2016, retrieved 11 May 2014
  9. ^ Race Bank (project update) (Dong Energy, May 2014), p.4
  10. ^ The Electricity Generating Stations (Variation of Consents) (England and Wales) Regulations 2013 ("the 2013 Regulations") (PDF) (communication), Dong Energy, 10 December 2014
  11. ^ Section 36 variation 2014, §1.3.1.
  12. ^ Section 36 variation, environmental information 2014, § 1.23, 1.3.1-1.3.3.
  13. ^ Section 36 variation, environmental information 2014, Table 3.1, pp.27-29.
  14. ^ Race Bank Section 36 Variation, Dong Energy, archived from the original on 23 February 2016, retrieved 15 February 2016
  15. ^ "Dong Energy to build Race Bank offshore wind farm", Grimsby Telegraph, 24 June 2015, archived from the original on 29 July 2015, retrieved 30 July 2019
  16. ^ DONG Energy to build Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm in the UK (press release), Dong Energy, 24 June 2015, archived from the original on 13 August 2016, retrieved 30 July 2019
  17. ^ "Chinese double up with Dong", renews.biz, 27 March 2015, archived from the original on 2 April 2015, retrieved 27 March 2015
  18. ^ "NKT to Start Fabricating Race Bank's Export Cables", www.offshorewind.biz, 24 June 2015, archived from the original on 1 August 2016, retrieved 30 July 2019
  19. ^ "JDR in Charge of Race Bank's Inter-Array Cables", www.offshorewind.biz, 24 June 2014, archived from the original on 11 March 2016, retrieved 30 July 2019
  20. ^ "Bilfinger Wins the Race", www.offshorewind.biz, 8 June 2015, archived from the original on 4 November 2016, retrieved 30 July 2019
  21. ^ "Siemens 1.2GW monster order", renews.biz, 3 July 2015, archived from the original on 3 July 2015, retrieved 3 July 2015
  22. ^ "Siemens wins turbine supply contract for Race Bank offshore wind project in UK". power-technology.com. 5 July 2015. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  23. ^ "Race Bank win for MMT", renews.biz, 27 July 2015, archived from the original on 27 July 2015, retrieved 27 July 2015
  24. ^ "Explosions at Dong Energy's Race Bank wind farm site as WWII bombs are safely detonated - video", Grimsby Telegraph, 15 October 2015, archived from the original on 18 October 2015, retrieved 30 July 2019
  25. ^ "Race Bank off the mark", renews.biz, 1 July 2016, archived from the original on 3 August 2017, retrieved 30 July 2019
  26. ^ "Full power at Race Bank Offshore Wind Farm". orsted.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.

Sources

[edit]