East Anglia TWO and ONE North nearshore investigation works
Ground investigation works are planned to take place in an area off the coast of Thorpeness from 12 April 2021.
These advance surveys are necessary to feed into the design of the cable landfall for the windfarms. By gaining a better understanding of the ground conditions below the area at this early stage, it will be possible to develop environmental mitigations at the landfall which would be required should the DCO application be successful, as well as to aid with the timely delivery of renewable energy to the area.
This process of early investigations is routine to support the design and suitable mitigation for the development should consent for each project be granted. All works have been carefully planned, working closely with the environment team.
Location and Timings
The investigation works will take place just off the coast of Thorpeness in front of the proposed East Anglia TWO and ONE North landfall location. All work is being undertaken with consideration of the relevant offshore stakeholders interests, such as the owners of the Concerto 1S telecommunications cable.
A Jack-Up vessel will be towed to the area from Lowestoft on Monday 12 April and installed throughout the day for works to commence. Works are expected to be completed by the end of May. Within that time the Jack-Up will move location of no more than 1-2km to target a maximum of 10 different areas as indicated in the below map, remaining in each location for about 3 days.
The works will be taking place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fulfilled by two teams of a maximum of 8 people carrying out 12 hours shifts. These teams (which are each dedicated COVID ‘support bubbles’) will be transported to and from the vessel from Southwold by a crew boat twice a day.
In addition, there will be a support boat that might visit the vessel once a day to drop off supplies or pick up samples.
The Investigation Works
The investigation works are being carried out by our contractor Fugro and are to collect samples from the seabed and investigate the permeability, thermal conductivity and baseline geotechnical parameters. With the ambition of providing us detailed and up to date information about the area, the position of the Coraline Crag below the sea and to best design the final cable route.
The works will involve borehole drilling to collect samples and cone penetration testing to determine the strength of the ground depth.
Due to the nature of the 24/7 working in the marine environment, light from the vessel at night and some noise from the works at all times can be expected, though processes have been put in place to minimise this where possible.
Minimising the Impact
Scottish Power Renewables recognises the critical importance of the local environment. In planning the investigation, SPR have selected an extremely experienced contractor that shares their commitment to protecting the environment.
Ecological and environmental surveys, maps and plans have been consulted and reviewed to avoid any areas where there is any potential risk of ecological or archaeological disturbance.
As additional reassurance, SPR has representatives monitoring the works to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental standards.
Get in Touch
If you have an enquiry about the East Anglia TWO and ONE North site investigation, please email:
Eastangliaonenorth@scottishpower.com or Eastangliatwo@scottishpower.com