In order to feed the electricity generated by the wind farm into the national distribution network, an onshore grid connection is required between the landfall point at Weybourne and a suitable connection point.

 

The onshore grid connection project consists of two main components:

• An underground cable system between Weybourne and the substation at Salle (approximately 21.3km in length).
• A new substation adjacent to the existing EDF Energy substation at Salle.

The onshore grid connection project has received planning consent from the two local planning authorities within which the project is located; North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) and Broadland District Council (BDC) and work is now being carried out by Carillion plc.

 

The cable system would comprise six power cables, installed below ground in plastic pipes or ‘ducts’. Fibre-optic cables for communication purposes would also be installed. For most of the route, the cables will be installed by a method of open-cut trenching. The trenches would be approximately 2.2m wide and 1.6m deep.

 

The majority of land along the cable route is cultivated agricultural land separated by hedgerows with occasional trees. The project team has liaised with local landowners to achieve agreements enabling the work to proceed. The route also crosses the local road network in 14 locations as well as local landmarks the North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line), the River Bure, several areas of woodland and the Kelling Heath holiday Park. In these locations, open trenching is not appropriate and a technique known as ‘directional drilling’ has been used to install the cable ducts. This technique avoids, or at least minimizes, any impact to the surface features.

 

 

Onshore Timetable

June 2010	Cable route expected completion
October 2010	Substation commissioned