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As the UK works to increase offshore wind energy to meet Net Zero goals, connecting these projects to the national electricity grid is challenging.
From seabed conditions to stakeholder engagement, every decision impacts cost, compliance, and community.
PES Wind recently talked with Jamie Holmes, a Director at NASH Maritime, part of APEM Group. They discussed how early planning and expert advice help developers create successful and sustainable grid connections.
Watch the interview at Global Offshore Wind below and read the article for more detailed insights.
Q: Why is early-stage Cable Burial Risk Assessment (CBRA) so critical in offshore wind projects, and how does it influence route selection and project feasibility?
Jamie Holmes: Early-stage CBRA is essential because it helps developers identify and mitigate risks before installation begins. By understanding seabed conditions, human activity, and environmental constraints early on, developers can:
- Identify and avoid unforeseen geohazards such as sand waves and steep gradients.
- Optimise cable routing to minimise interactions with existing seabed infrastructure, protected areas, and commercial activities.
- Ensure cables are securely buried and protected.
- Avoid high-traffic shipping lanes and anchorage zones, reducing risks of cable damage from vessel activity.
Key fact:Â 75% of cable damage is caused by fishing and anchor strikes – risks that CBRA helps to mitigate.
Q2: How do technologies like remote sensing and seabed mapping support cable burial strategies?
JH: Technologies such as remote sensing and high-resolution seabed mapping provide detailed insights into the underwater environment. These tools help:
- Detect obstacles like boulders or steep slopes.
- Identify areas of seabed mobility that could expose cables.
- Enhance environmental assessments for sustainable routing.
- Improve burial depth accuracy.
Key fact:Â High-resolution seabed mapping improves burial depth accuracy and supports sustainable routing.
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“Early-stage Cable Burial Risk Assessment is critical for offshore wind projectsâit enables developers to identify geohazards, optimise cable routes, and avoid environmental and human activity conflicts, ensuring safer, more efficient installations.”
Jamie Holmes, Director at NASH Maritime (part of APEM Group)
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Q3: What are the trade-offs between deeper cable burial and environmental or cost concerns?
JH: Mobile seabeds and features like sand waves can expose cables if not buried deeply enough. However, deeper burial comes with additional complexities and considerations such as:
- Environmental disturbance to sensitive marine habitats.
- Higher costs due to specialised equipment and longer installation times.
- Project efficiency may be impacted if burial is not optimised.
- Navigation safety must be considered to avoid interference with vessel anchoring or seabed hazards.
Key fact:Â Deeper burial increases costs and environmental impact, making early planning essential.
Q4: How does CBRA help mitigate risks from fishing and anchoring?
JH: CBRA plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of cable damage from human activity. It enables developers to:
- Avoid or mitigate hazard-prone areas.
- Collaborate with maritime stakeholders to ensure cables are placed in low-risk areas.
- Monitor vessel traffic in real time and implement alert systems.
- Issue alerts when vessels anchor or fish in high-risk zones.
Key fact: Real-time vessel monitoring and alerts help prevent cable damage in high-risk zones.
Q5: What are the challenges in obtaining consents for cable protection in marine areas?
JH: Securing consents in designated marine areas can be complex due to:
- Additional environmental assessments and habitat compensation requirements.
- Regulatory concerns about conservation compliance.
- Navigational authorities needing assurance that protection measures donât interfere with vessel routes and safety.
- Recent concerns about how protection measures will be decommissioned in the future.
Engaging early with regulators and stakeholders is vital for making the consent process for cable protection in marine areas more efficient. By addressing potential concerns at the outset, developers can reduce delays and build trust with key decision-makers. This proactive approach also demonstrates alignment with marine conservation strategies, which can enhance the likelihood of approval.
Key fact:Â Early stakeholder engagement accelerates consent approvals and reduces project risk.
Cable Design Portrait
Supporting Developers Through Complexity and Compliance
At APEM Group, we understand the challenges developers face when connecting offshore wind to the grid. From complicated consent procedures to environmental concerns and stakeholder expectations, our job is to make the process easier and minimise risk at every step.
We offer comprehensive assistance, from choosing a site and designing surveys to ensuring compliance after consent. This approach makes sure projects are not just technically feasible but also environmentally responsible and in harmony with the community.
Our science-focused and data-based approach assists clients in making informed choices, avoiding expensive delays, and confidently meeting regulatory standards.
We assist developers in achieving successful and sustainable energy projects by optimising paths in crowded marine regions, aiding in stakeholder discussions, and facilitating connections with the UK electricity grid.
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