In February 2017 The Crown Estate invited operators of existing UK offshore wind farms for expressions of interest regarding the possible extension of their projects. RWE expressed an interest in creating an extension to Galloper Wind Farm and Greater Gabbard Wind Farm off the coast of Suffolk, Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm in North Wales, and Rampion Wind Farm off the coast of Sussex.
All four projects successfully passed the Crown Estates Habitats Regulations Assessments, meaning they have now progressed to the development and design stage. A full design and consenting process, including comprehensive stakeholder and community engagement, has commenced for Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm. It is anticipated that it will take in the region of ten years to develop and construct the project, prior to it becoming operational.
In summer 2021 a number of onshore and offshore surveys for the project commenced. Prior to offshore surveys commencing the Five Estuaries Commercial Fisheries Working Group met to provide a forum for the discussion of practical issues relating to fisheries including survey planning and phasing. Details relating to the schedule and area of the offshore surveys are being provided via notices to mariners.
Agreement for Lease signed with The Crown Estate
Project named, and website launched
Onshore and offshore surveys start
Scoping consultation to determine the extent of the Environment Impact Assessment
Five Estuaries launch ongoing public engagement programme (Stage 1 consultation)
Ongoing survey work and engineering studies
Preliminary Environmental Information Report and Stage 2 (statutory) public consultation
Development Consent Order application submission
DCO examination decision expected
Procurement and detailed design
Start of construction
Wind farm expected to be operational by the end of the decade.
All dates are indicative and are subject to change.
The proposed Five Estuaries Project sits within a maximum design envelope that has been established for the purpose of assessing the maximum potential impacts of the Project.
Based on Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, it could generate enough energy each year to power hundreds of thousands of UK households. This will support the Government’s British Energy Security Strategy ambition of 50GW offshore wind installed by 2030, to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy, enough to power every household in the UK.
Located in the Southern North Sea. 37km closest distance to shore off the coast of Suffolk and located adjacent to the Galloper Wind Farm across two separate sea bed areas of 149km2.
Up to 79 wind turbines across the two sea bed areas. This will depend on the type and size of the turbine selected.
One new onshore substation to connect onshore underground cables into National Grid’s new East Anglia GREEN substation.
Five Estuaries Offshore Wind Farm is the sister extension project of the existing £1.5 billion, 353MW Galloper Wind Farm, located 30km off the coast of Suffolk.
First power was generated by the wind farm in November 2017 and it became fully operational in March 2018. Each year Galloper Offshore Wind Farm’s 56 turbines will generate enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 380,000 British homes. A 60-strong team operates and maintains the wind farm from a state-of-the-art, purpose-built Operations & Maintenance facility in Harwich International Port.
Visit the website to find out more about the wind farm.
