Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report : Newcastle
Event
Date: October 2010
Emu Ltd Ref: 10/J/1/06/1587/10144
Emu Ltd Contact: Bruce Tomlinson
Report produced in conjunction with
Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Document Release and Authorisation Record
Job No:
J/1/06/1587
Report No:
10/J/1/06/1587/1014
Report Type:
Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report : Newcastle Event
Version: 5
Date:
October 2010
Status: Final
Client Name:
Forewind Ltd
Client Contact:
Sharn Ward
QA
Name
Project Manager
Bruce Tomlinson
Report written by
Alison Duncan / Justina
Southworth
Report checked by
Joe Edgell
Report authorised by
Bruce Tomlinson
EMU CONTACT DETAILS
Emu Ltd
Head Office
1 Mill Court
The Sawmills
Durley
Southampton
SO32 2EJ
Signature
CLIENT CONTACT DETAILS
Forewind Ltd
Davidson House
Forbury Square
Reading
RG1 3EU
United Kingdom
www.forewind.co.uk
T: 01489 860050
F: 01489 860051
www.emulimited.com
Report: 10/J/1/06/1587/1014/October 2010
Date
Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Executive Summary
This event report provides the specific details on the issues raised and the associated outcomes of the
Newcastle event which took place on the 27th April 2010. The event was well attended by representatives
from a number of agencies (refer to Appendix 1 of this report).
Following a consultation period on a draft version of this report between 19th July and 13th August 2010,
one stakeholder provided comments. These have been incorporated in this final report.
Several broad areas of concern and discussion concern were addressed by the stakeholders throughout
the workshop. The pivotal issue highlighted by the consultees at Newcastle was the significant fishing
industry supported by the Dogger Bank Zone and the potential implication of the proposed wind farms to
this sector. Cable routes, onshore connection points and sectoral co-coexistence with oil and gas, aviation
and ports and navigation industries were also considered. The potential benefits of the proposed wind farm
to the local and regional economic growth were recognised, and stakeholders were enthusiastic to engage
in the process to ensure growth and development potential of the Dogger Bank Zone was felt within the
Newcastle and Tyneside region.
To establish the stakeholders attitude to the proposed development at Dogger Bank, the developers and
the level of information provided prior to the workshop, consultees were asked to express their opinions as
a number between negative 18 and positive 18 on arrival.
Overall, the stakeholders opinions towards Dogger Bank were positive and increased in positivity as the
event progressed. In total, 19 stakeholders provided their views on the proposed development in the
morning session, with 5% lodging an initial negative opinion (below zero), 42% rating their view as neutral
(zero) and 53% recorded as positive (above zero). Where the stakeholders participated in the rating
exercise, the level of positivity increased throughout the day with a closing 83% of stakeholders lodging
their opinion as positive. The collected view of the stakeholders present at the Newcastle workshops
predominantly shifted from a neutral to a positive opinion.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Contents
1.
2.
3.
This Report ............................................................................................................ 3
1.1
The Aim of this Report ................................................................................................... 3
1.2
Your Comments ............................................................................................................. 3
The Zone Appraisal and Planning (ZAP) Phase .................................................. 4
2.1
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 4
2.2
The ZAP phase .............................................................................................................. 5
The Newcastle Stakeholder Event........................................................................ 6
3.1
Summary of the Ratings ................................................................................................ 6
3.2
Summary of the Burning Issues ..................................................................................... 7
3.3
3.4
4.
3.2.1
Theme One: Environmental Issues................................................................ 7
3.2.2
Theme Two: Supply Chain and Job Opportunities ........................................ 7
3.2.3
Theme Three: Cabling and Grid .................................................................... 7
3.2.4
Theme Four: Sectoral Co-existence .............................................................. 8
3.2.5
Theme Five: Construction and Operation ...................................................... 8
3.2.6
Theme Six: Licensing and Consents ............................................................. 8
3.2.7
Theme Seven: General Issues ...................................................................... 8
Key Questions ................................................................................................................ 8
3.3.1
Theme 1: Environmental Issues .................................................................... 9
3.3.2
Theme 2: Supply Chain and Job Opportunities ............................................. 9
3.3.3
Theme Three: Cabling and Grid .................................................................... 9
3.3.4
Theme Four: Sectoral Co-existence .............................................................. 9
3.3.5
Theme Five: Construction and Operation ...................................................... 9
3.3.6
Theme Six: Licensing and Consents ............................................................. 9
3.3.7
Theme Seven: General Issues ...................................................................... 9
Constraints Discussion ................................................................................................ 10
3.4.1
Theme 1: Environmental Issues .................................................................. 10
3.4.2
Theme 2: Supply Chain and Job Opportunities ........................................... 11
3.4.3
Theme Three: Cabling and Grid .................................................................. 12
3.4.4
Theme Four: Sectoral Co-existence ............................................................ 13
3.4.5
Theme Five: Construction and Operation .................................................... 16
3.4.6
Theme Six: Licensing and Consents ........................................................... 16
3.4.7
Theme Seven: General Issues .................................................................... 16
3.5
Wind Farm Design Discussion ..................................................................................... 17
3.6
Grid Infrastructure Design ............................................................................................ 17
3.7
Afternoon Session Table Summaries .......................................................................... 18
Newcastle Event Summary ................................................................................. 21
4.1
Constraints and Issues ................................................................................................ 21
4.2
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 23
4.3
The Next Steps ............................................................................................................ 23
Appendix 1: Stakeholder Agencies ................................................................................. 24
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Appendix 2: Stakeholder Ratings .................................................................................... 25
Appendix 3: Constraint Mapping by Table ...................................................................... 27
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
1.
This Report
1.1
The Aim of this Report
The aim of this document is to accurately represent the overall outcome of the Forewind Dogger
Bank stakeholder workshop held on April 27th in Newcastle in terms of the comments and
questions raised by the stakeholders during the day.
The report follows the agenda of the day and lists the outcomes of the individual exercises in the
form of comments or questions that were raised by the stakeholders in those sessions. This will
allow Forewind and Emu Ltd to identify issues that are important to both local and national
stakeholders and to identify any differences in the matters which were raised at the other
workshops. This individual and cumulative assessment will inform the Zone Appraisal and
Planning (ZAP) phase which is being coordinated by Emu Ltd and the next stages of Forewind’s
development process while also providing a focussed and useful information supply to local and
national stakeholders.
Forewind have provided a response to the questions and issues raised across all of the
workshops in the Forewind Report – “Questions & Answers and Consolidated Maps” which is
also available to review on the Forewind website.
1.2
Your Comments
All stakeholders were given the opportunity to review and comment on the draft reports.
Following the closure of the consultation period on the 13th of August, the document has been
revised to take account of any comments and is now issued as a final version.
Forewind remain committed to open consultation throughout the whole development process and
can be contacted in the following ways
Mail to:
Forewind Dogger Bank Offshore Development Team
Davidson House
Forbury Square
Reading RG1 3EU
United Kingdom
Email to:
infor@forewind.co.uk
Website comments via:
http://www.forewind.co.uk/
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
2.
The Zone Appraisal and Planning (ZAP) Phase
2.1 Introduction
As previously discussed, Forewind proposes to deliver between 9 and 13GW of offshore wind
farm projects at Dogger Bank. In fact the very large size of the zone means that it could be
capable of delivering significantly more than this, but Forewind recognises that not all of the zone
is suitable for wind farm development because of the engineering, environmental and human
effects that this could have.
Forewind intend to develop their projects in phases (or tranches) that will contain a number of
wind farm projects to take forward through the development process each year.
The process of identifying these tranches is called the Zone Appraisal and Planning (ZAP) phase
which aims to select the most suitable areas for development within the zone through data
capture and analysis and stakeholder engagement.
Emu Ltd have been appointed ZAP Coordinators for the Dogger Bank Zone and are undertaking
the ZAP phase in order to make recommendations for project development to the Forewind team.
Emu Ltd have defined the Zone Development Envelope (ZDE) as comprising the offshore zone
and an area within which offshore and onshore export cables and substations are likely to be
sited. The ZDE is presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Zone Development Envelope (ZDE)
Onshore points of connection within this ZDE will be identified through the grid connection
application process by National Grid. The optimum routes for onshore and offshore cable
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
corridors to connect the offshore wind farms to these points of connection will be determined
through ZAP and further refined through the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
2.2 The ZAP phase
ZAP is a non-statutory strategic planning process, which is being advocated by The Crown
Estate as part of the development process for the larger Round 3 zones. One of the objectives of
this zonal approach is to inform promoters on development decision making, and to give them
the opportunity to identify as many of the environmental and planning constraints and challenges
that they may face at an early stage in the process.
The ZAP phase involves the characterisation of the zone from data or information provided by:

The developer and/or development partner;

Consultants;

Stakeholders, and

The Crown Estate MaRS database
It also involves consideration of the technical and commercial challenges of delivering offshore
wind farms and their associated infrastructure and will ultimately inform the identification of
tranches for ongoing development.
Stakeholders are a significant resource in this process and the stakeholder workshops held in
Hull, Newcastle and London were organised to provide an opportunity to capture information to
supplement the data that Emu Ltd have been able to collate so far.
Forewind anticipates that the first tranche for development will be identified at the end of July
2010. A full and comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of this area will then be
undertaken to support applications for projects which are to be located within it. Forewind is
committed to ensuring full and effective consultation with its stakeholders throughout this and the
ongoing ZAP process in order to further inform its development activities and ensure that all
constraints and/or issues can be identified and ideally resolved before the planning application
stage.
Please contact Forewind if you would like further information on ZAP and its anticipated
outcomes.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
3.
The Newcastle Stakeholder Event
3.1
Summary of the Ratings
Upon arrival at the workshop stakeholders were encouraged to rank their views on Forewind’s
development objectives on a scale ranging between -18 to + 18. At Newcastle the majority of the
stakeholders ranked their opinion as positive on the scale.
Apart from one of the stakeholders view in both the morning and afternoon rating sessions, all
the opinions expressed throughout the Newcastle workshop remained significantly positive (refer
to Figure 2). A total of 19 stakeholders participated in the morning session, with 1 stakeholder
(5%) recording a negative rating (below zero), 42% as neutral and 53% rated as positive (above
zero). In the afternoon session 12 stakeholders expressed their views regarding the Dogger
Bank development with 8% rated as negative (below zero), a further 8% as neutral and the
remaining 83% as positive (over zero).
Out of the 11 stakeholders who provided both a morning and afternoon view on the Dogger Bank
development, three of the views were reduced in positivity (refer to Figure 2). The maximum
drop in ratings was by seven, however only one of the ratings was reduced to negative ranking
(minus three). No changes in views were expressed by two of the stakeholders and the
remaining six ranked positive in the afternoon session, by a maximum increase of ten.
A summary of the agencies attending the event is reproduced in Appendix 1 of this report.
Appendix 2 of this report contains individual stakeholder ratings.
Appendix 3 of this report contains table specific constraint maps. These maps have been
digitised and themed within the Questions & Answers and Consolidated Constraints Maps
Document which is available to download from the Forewind website.
Figure 2 provides an indication of the variation between the morning and afternoon ratings by
individual stakeholder. Several stakeholders did not submit a ratings value in both sessions,
these stakeholder rating have been omitted from the comparison. Where no bar is shown, this
indicates that the rating has not changed.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
View on development ratings
Newcastle Workshop: Difference in opinion between sessions
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
-12
-14
-16
-18
Difference in individual stakeholder responses where applicable (N.B: No bar
indicates no change in opinion)
Figure 2
3.2
Differences in opinion between sessions
Summary of the Burning Issues
Throughout the day stakeholders were given the opportunity to record their burning issues on a
board for Forewind and Emu Ltd to consider after the event. The burning issues have been
categorised into broad themes according to the content and are detailed below. Where relevant
or possible (given the early stage of their development activities) Forewind have provided a
response to these issues in the Forewind Report - “Questions & Answers and Consolidated
Constraint Maps”
3.2.1
Theme One: Environmental Issues

What will the impact be on the wildlife on Dogger Bank?

Please note differing assessment strategies between EIA and appropriate assessment
(AA) within a SAC. For AA, you must demonstrate no significant effect on the features or
the site (sandbank) for the development to be approved / consented - stronger than EIA.

How will we know you have assessed impacts fairly or thoroughly?

Ecological data collection - challenge of getting enough data of sufficient quality to assess
impacts and knowing what is enough.
3.2.2
Theme Two: Supply Chain and Job Opportunities

When will Forewind appoint / select its contractors / developers? Do we yet know who
they may be?

3.2.3
Jobs for Northumberland.
Theme Three: Cabling and Grid

Cable routes, grid connection and sub station locations.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
3.2.4
Theme Four: Sectoral Co-existence

Dealing with existing / potential conflicting other legitimate activities: shipping, fishing, oil
and gas etc.

3.2.5
Ensure turbines are clearly identified (night and day) in a logical sequence to aid location.
Theme Five: Construction and Operation

Number of arrays within zone?

Will helicopter transport or winching be required?

Where will you operate from in both the construction and operation phases?

Does Forewind see a need for areas of land on the River Tyne to be given over to support
its Dogger Bank scheme?
3.2.6
Theme Six: Licensing and Consents

Timeframe for Project and the pre application process.

Maximising UK content to Round 3 projects is a key issue. How will Forewind share it's
project plans to facilitate others on this objective?

What will Forewind do to make the survey data generated through the ZAP and EIA
available to the public (to support further research and analysis)?
3.2.7
Theme Seven: General Issues

Some concerns about the viability of certain wind turbine projects and the cost
effectiveness of those to deliver benefits.

Information and clarity.

Support renewables development - but must be done sensitively given the other interests
of the area.

This project is heralded as the biggest of the Round 3 projects. Interested in learning
more about the technological innovations / advancements which are envisaged to make it
all possible.
3.3
Key Questions
Throughout the day stakeholders were given the opportunity to record questions for the Forewind
and Emu Ltd teams to consider. The questions captured at the Newcastle event have been
categorised into themes and are captured as they were recorded below. Forewind have provided
a fuller explanation of the themes and a response to the questions raised at all of the workshops
in their report - “Questions & Answers and Consolidated Constraint Maps” which is available to
download from the Forewind website.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
3.3.1
Theme 1: Environmental Issues

What is the impact of mass construction on the sandeel biomass? Has there been any
investigation into this or is it build and see?
3.3.2

Marine Environmental Impacts.

Bird mortality.

Possibility of biodiversity enhancement?
Theme 2: Supply Chain and Job Opportunities

How will Forewind engage with the region?

Does Forewind require any land based facilities (e.g. offices / manufacturing / training) on
the River Tyne?
3.3.3
3.3.4
Theme Three: Cabling and Grid

How will the development be connected to National Grid?

How many arrays will there be within the zone?
Theme Four: Sectoral Co-existence

3.3.5
How will Forewind collate fishing information and mitigate impact?
Theme Five: Construction and Operation

Location of development(s).

Where will your operations be based from both the construction and operation phases?

When will the first tranche be installed?

Methods of installation of turbines?

What will be Forewind's methods of access once operational?

Will Forewind operate to similar offshore helicopter rules as the North Sea Oil and Gas
Industry?
3.3.6
Theme Six: Licensing and Consents

Timescale for application etc.

What property rights come with the lease secured from The Crown Estate: e.g. if the
project finds prehistoric material will the owner become Forewind?
3.3.7
Theme Seven: General Issues

What effect / benefits will this scheme bring to local coastal authorities?

How do you propose to integrate concerns / issues from different industry sectors
(including environment)?

How to sort the mess? Eventual decommission albeit progressive / phased.

Have any studies been done on the effects of the proposed wind farm on local weather
conditions or wave patterns?
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
3.4
Constraints Discussion
Following the morning presentation, stakeholders participated in discussions which focussed on
constraints and the technical challenges in designing and connecting a wind farm. The
comments and questions arising from these discussions were collected into broad themes
allowing critical issues and trends to be drawn out of the discussions.
The stakeholders were invited to draw features or areas of constraints on maps provided during
the session. Example constraint maps are provided in Appendix 3 of this report.
The section that follows captures those constraints that it was not possible to map due to their
spatial extent or non-geographic nature.
All geographic constraints from the workshops have been digitised and produced in GIS format to
feed into the ZAP process. A copy of these digitised figures is included in the Forewind Report –
“Questions, Answers and Consolidated Maps” which is available on the Forewind website.
3.4.1
Theme 1: Environmental Issues
Constraint maps as created by the stakeholders are included in Appendix 3. Themed maps are
included in the Frequently Asked Questions and Consolidated Constraint Maps documents which
are available to download from the project website.
Environmental Designations

The Dogger Bank is a draft SAC (dSAC) of European interest, adjoined by a Dutch and
German SAC (shown in Appendix 3, Tables 1 and 7).

Several stakeholders recognised that although an SAC designation does not preclude
development, Forewind must align the Dogger Bank wind farm with the European
conservation objectives.

One stakeholder raised concern over the integrated management of the dSAC and
delivery of this through marine spatial planning. In the new Marine Act, the term
representatively is a recent addition which also needs to be considered.

The positioning of both cables and turbines was recognised by the consultees as having
the potential to adversely impact the dSAC.

One stakeholder would prefer to see turbine arrays concentrated to the north of the
Dogger Bank site as this is outside the dSAC boundary (refer to Appendix 3, Table 6). It is
as yet unknown whether cables will be permitted inside the boundaries of the dSAC.

A recommendation was made to keep turbines away from the international dSAC
boundary to avoid international negotiations over impacts.

The issues of the bordering Dutch SAC was recognised as a potential constraint on other
users as the different SAC regime might restrict certain activities not necessarily
monitored under the UK SAC regime.

Several stakeholders recognised the potential for the proposed development at Dogger
Bank to increase biodiversity through “proper” design/layout/location of the wind farms.
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Birds and Marine Mammals

Discussion was held concerning the potential hazard of turbines to passing birds. One
stakeholder through previous experience on oil and gas platforms recognised that birds
may become a collision hazard themselves and even a pest. Bird scaring devices are
employed on unmanned rigs and helipads to mitigate against this.

One consultee felt that the in-combinations impact of all Round 3 zones on birds and
mammals (for example the impact of noise) need to be addressed (Appendix 3, Table 4).
Impacts on Other Industries

A number of consultees felt that the dSAC would possibly accommodate the wind farm
turbines at Dogger Bank but anticipated restrictions on fishing activities.

It was also recognised that at the moment both the proposed wind farm and the dSAC are
in their early stages so anything is possible. Each site needs to be thoroughly looked at
and necessary measures taken. However, due to findings of special features/biodiversity
restricted and ‘no go areas’ could be identified.

It was suggested that the dSAC may impose No Take Zones (NTZ’s) which will adversely
impact the fishermen in the short term, but may lead to benefits on a longer timescale.
Archaeology

Several points were discussed about the archaeological elements of the Dogger Bank site
(see Appendix 3, Table 4). One stakeholder considered archaeology not as an absolute
constraint but sensitive areas must be avoided or mitigated against.

The Dogger Bank is a prehistoric landscape which initiates from the foreshore and
protrudes through the seabed.

Further offshore the landscape is more buried beneath relic sediments which are more
protected until the shallower Dogger Bank site (<25m) where it is again exposed or
beneath a very thin veneer.

One consultee suggested Forewind look at the Doggerland study by Gaffney1 which
models palaeovalley systems, particularly in the northern edge of Dogger Bank.
Geophysical surveys should be checked for these palaeovalley systems and also against
wreck records to validate the surveys. The pan European North Sea Prehistory Research
and Management Framework (NSPRMF) was suggested by a stakeholder as a possible
platform for information and data.
3.4.2
Theme 2: Supply Chain and Job Opportunities
Local Supply Chain

The importance of the proposed development at Dogger Bank to the local economy was
recognised by a number of stakeholders.
1
Gaffney, V., Thomson, K. & Fitch, S. (eds). 2007. Mapping Doggerland: The Mesolithic Landscapes of the Southern North
Sea. Archaeopress.
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
One consultee requested Forewind publicly announce their “principles of supply chain”.
For example, will supply be broadly spread (geographically) or focussed in one area and
whether developers would be looking to approach one company to supply all goods or go
to multiple companies?

It was suggested that Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) act as an intermediary to
transfer information to smaller suppliers in the region.

Stakeholders would support annual supply chain events similar to those organised by The
Crown Estate this year and also suggested the idea of ‘innovation workshops’ for suppliers
to pitch ideas to the appropriate buyers to gain support or focus on alternative ideas.
There was also some confusion felt by the stakeholders as to who is facilitating supply
chain development, as they have been approached separately by The Crown Estate,
RenewableUK, turbine manufacturers, developers.

A request was made that developers ensure a consistent message is disseminated
through one main contact.
Jobs and Employment

One stakeholder appreciated that future energy supply will be pivotal in the creation of
new jobs.

Turbine fabrication is seen an opportunity for Tyneside by one consultee, although noise
levels, working hours and any impact to the community need to be considered.

It was appreciated that access to a skilled workforce and suppliers might be challenging
and working offshore also represents a Health and Safety risk.

Several stakeholders suggested the use of a floating island to support Dogger Bank and
the possible use of the accommodation blocks on the nearer gas fields. The relationships
to other potential neighbouring sites for grid and service / supply relationships was
discussed, with recognition of the opportunities for collaboration in supply and service
chains.
3.4.3
Theme Three: Cabling and Grid

Inter-turbine cabling constraints were recognised by the stakeholders.
Risk to Cables

One consultee suggested that the risk to cables and vessels are worse offshore as deep
water vessels can pull up cables.

The outer bank of the Dogger Bank site was identified by another stakeholder as
potentially being worse for scour.
Pipelines

Forewind were advised by a stakeholder that no assumptions should be made regarding
the pipelines shown on the maps. Not all were thought to remain functional in the future
with some potentially becoming redundant and could offer alternative route corridors for
the cable.
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Cable Landing Point

It was suggested that the landing of the cables and onshore activities should be
undertaken using an options appraisal approach.

One consultee suggested that the best option is probably to the Middlesbrough area north
of the North York Moors National Park.

In addition a further stakeholder highlighted the potential for coal gasification technology to
sterilise the area for the wind farm (Appendix 3, Table 4). Sea floor sag by up to half a
meter is possible which needs to be considered in the cable routes.

Following the consultation period for this document one stakeholder who was unable to
attend the event considered that multiple landing points would best supply the local
community and create jobs.
3.4.4
Theme Four: Sectoral Co-existence
Fishing – Exclusion Zones

One stakeholder highlighted that fact that the Danish authorities do not allow any fishing
over or within 200m of pipelines/cables. Danish fishermen are concerned that Forewind
cables would sterilize a large area of the Dogger Bank fishing ground.

It is currently unknown whether trawling for sandeels would be allowed to continue if the
dSAC was approved.

Several stakeholders highlighted the dynamic nature of fisheries and the present conflict
between mobile and static operations already present in Dogger Bank.

If fishing effort was to be reduced within Dogger Bank, it is expected to relocated to
alternative areas. It was also recognised that displacement of fisheries could result in
higher discards due to difference in fish resource at alternative fishing ground.

One stakeholder suggested that towing and trawling can occur across buried cables,
although scour to the burial layer could create a problem. The turbine layout will allow
fishermen to fish within the Dogger Bank Zone if they are sufficiently spaced out. A further
consultee identified a general principle of fishing up to 50m from operational turbines and
up to 150m during construction to be followed.
Fishing – Current Fishing Effort

Several stakeholders highlighted the importance of Dogger Bank as a sandeel fishery
worth over 1 million tonnes p.a. (Appendix 3, Table 2 and Table 5).

Nephrops (prawn) trawling is considered one of the most valuable fisheries along the north
east coast.

There is a high level of international presence within the Dogger Bank with heavy Danish
and Dutch vessel occupation in comparison to British fleets. International liaison between
Forewind and the European fishermen is expected.
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
The steep contours/edges of Dogger Bank are considered good for fishing and Bruceys
Garden was highlighted as a particular key fishing area.

Danish Fishermen have 90% of the quota for sandeel and Dogger Bank is considered a
major fishing ground.
Fishing – Co-operation and Co-existence

Sectoral co-existence between the proposed development at Dogger Bank and the fishing
industry was a significant topic of conversation throughout this session. Fishing is
considered to be the biggest constraint to Dogger Bank by one stakeholder and the fishing
industry needs to be taken seriously.
Fishing – Localised Effects

Several questions were raised as to the potential effect of turbines on local wave
conditions in Dogger Bank.

The degree of confidence in modelling sediment transport processes fundamental to the
Dogger Bank and the potential for entirely unintended consequences was also discussed.

One stakeholder suggested Forewind use the Fisheries Science Partnership as an
information source who are attempting to combine fishing activities with data collection.
The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO) was also recommended as
a useful data source in addition to the suggestion to use four or five good skippers to
provide much of the information needed by Forewind to gauge geographical constraints.
Fishing – General

A common acceptance was felt by the stakeholders that ideally the fishing industry would
prefer the proposed wind farm to be located elsewhere, the need for development is
recognised by the industry. This led to several consultees emphasising the need for good
dialogue between Forewind and the fishing industry (Appendix 3, Table 5).
Communication at all levels is needed to reduce concern and reach an appropriate
agreement.

Finally, one stakeholder informed Forewind that fishing vessels often have a following of
birds in their wake, estimated at around 650 for one boat. Marine mammals such as killer
whales are also thought to recognise engine noise change and have been observed
heading towards the fishing vessel nets when they are closing.
Oil and Gas

One stakeholder raised the concern of potential spatial conflict with the oil and gas
licensing rounds (Appendix 3, Table 6) and the proposed wind farm within the area.
Question as to which sector would be awarded precedence?
Navigation and Shipping

Several stakeholders highlighted exiting Port constraints to the proposed development at
Dogger Bank (Appendix 3, Tables 1, 4 and 6).
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
Current port capabilities are considered too small to accommodate the expected increase
in supply chain/turbine transport etc and there are plans to expand port infrastructure to
facilitate this (particular reference was mentioned to the Port of Sunderland).

One stakeholder stated that local ports are keen to understand Forewind’s requirements
and are willing to design ports around them.

Several of the consultees would like to see a public endorsement of the North East as a
supply hub for the Dogger Bank wind farm and other North Sea wind farms.

Currently suppliers are nervous about investing as it is not clear where developers are
looking to use as a supply hub.
Aviation

Several common elements are seen between supply chain and job opportunities and
sectoral co-existence with aviation.

Search and Rescue / Emergency Response / Access

One stakeholder highlighted the commercial interest of the aviation industry in the
proposed Dogger Bank wind farm including provision of access to turbines during both
construction and operational phases.

Rescue operations could be included within the scope of services provided to mitigate
against the potential Health and Safety issues of working offshore.

The importance of wind farm location was considered by stakeholders if developers are
not to sterilise some requirements of others servicing the area. Examples were provided
with helicopters preferring a location with uninterrupted access in and out of the area due
to navigation constraints, with the prevailing wind and on the edge of the farm. One
consultee suggested the potential for an offshore helicopter hanger facility to support
Dogger Bank.
Support Services

Current services support the Southern North Sea Oil and Gas infrastructure out of the
Humber area but one consultee suggested they could also reinstate a base at Newcastle
Airport. It was recognised that any aviation base will need to be well served by transport
to make it easy for people and goods to access the planes/helicopters.
Lighting

Several constraints to aviation navigation were discussed by the stakeholders, in particular
the shielding of radar and the present use of non-reflective materials that scatter radar
returns. Navigational lighting of offshore wind farms was also raised, there are currently
flashing orange lights on the nacelle but it gives no indication of tip height. Finally, several
stakeholders had major concerns over accuracy of mapping of wind farms both on and off
shore as OS and Admiralty maps are updated very infrequently.
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Military

Military activity in the zone was also raised by a consultee citing low flying areas in the
North Sea.
3.4.5
Theme Five: Construction and Operation

The clustering of turbines and consequential wake loss of kinetic energy was identified by
the stakeholders as a particular constraint.

Questions were raised as to Forewind’s intention of building turbines within the UK or
alternatively floating the turbines out to the Dogger Bank site from the UK.

Several consultees discussed the potential for construction of a floating island behind the
wake effect to support the wind farm throughout construction and operation.

The potential issue of piling or seismic noise as a constraint to the development was also
recognised by one consultee.
3.4.6
Theme Six: Licensing and Consents

A query was made into how Forewind could influence strategy and decision making by the
National Grid in terms of being offered the optimum locations for Dogger Bank grid
connections, bearing in mind the Hornsea wind farm located further south.

One stakeholder suggested the possibility of increased ‘developer-developer’ discussions
between neighbouring projects to reduce stakeholder fatigue and share data.

The transitional phase of Dogger Bank between consent and operation was highlighted by
a consultee. Forewind is responsible for the development up to consent, following which
either the turbines or cables (or both) must be handed over to Offshore Transmission
Operator (OFTO).
3.4.7
Theme Seven: General Issues
Several general constraints and issues were highlighted throughout this session which are
summarised below.

One stakeholder questioned the future locations of Round 4 and the long term financial
viability of offshore wind farms.

It was suggested that the British Marine Aggregates Producers Association (BMAPA) be
added as consultee to the Forewind stakeholder engagement process.
Dredging Areas

One stakeholder raised several concerns regarding the proposed wind farm and current
aggregate licence areas within the region. Three areas of concern were highlighted,
involving the interaction of the dredging licence area itself and the wind turbines, the
licence area and the cables, and dredging and other vessel transit routes.

The suggestion was made that local dredging areas could supply aggregate for the
construction of the wind farm and the BMAPA map of aggregate transit routes was
recommended to Forewind.
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CO2 Extraction

Finally, one stakeholder identified the possibility of CO² extraction from syngas 2 to be reinjected into oil wells for enhanced oil recovery. At present the oil fields to be targeted are
unknown which may add a further constraint to the Dogger Bank development.
3.5
Wind Farm Design Discussion
Within this exercise, stakeholders were invited to experience the difficulties of designing and
constructing the wind farm for themselves by placing turbines within the zone and sketching
potential cable routes to shore. The discussions arising from this session are broadly speculative
comments and clarification on technicalities which are discussed in the “Questions & Answers
and Consolidated Maps” document.
Maps arising from this session are included in Appendix 3 of this report.
3.6
Grid Infrastructure Design
Following a presentation on the technical and commercial considerations stakeholders were
given the opportunity to “build the grid infrastructure”. This exercise was intended to stimulate
discussion on how some of the constraints identified could be managed by Forewind in pursuit of
their development objectives. Some of the discussion points raised in this session have been
captured below and photographs of the maps that were developed have been included here as
examples only – no agreements were made in these sessions on where infrastructure could or
should be constructed.
There was general discussion on the grid connection application process and the role of National
Grid in the allocation of connection points.
The stakeholders discussed the cost of subsea cables compared with the cost of overhead and
underground terrestrial cables. Further questions relating to cables included the following.
Q. How many cables will be required per tranche? What is the connection point capacity?
Q. How many cables will be required per turbine?
Q. Will the cable be buried? What is the burial depth expected to be?
Information and answers can be found on the Forewind website at the following address
http://www.forewind.co.uk/stakeholders/presentations-and-reports/.
2
Syngas (or ‘synthesis gas’) is the name given to a gas containing varying amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Examples of production methods include steam reforming of natural gas or liquid hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen, the
gasification of coal and biomass.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
3.7
Afternoon Session Table Summaries
The afternoon session focussed on the continued engagement process. The stakeholder
comments recorded during this session are included below –
Q. What would successful co-existence look like to you?

Stakeholders believed that a rigorous and coordinated approach to stakeholder
engagement is a required to deliver the proposed wind farm development and ensure
successful co-existence.

Regular updates and effective communication of key milestones and the project progress
between the developer and consultees is fundamental to effective co-existence.

Stakeholders recognised the importance of using the right language to consult, making the
engagement process accessible to all and avoiding alienation of any parties.

The stakeholder management process should be an iterative process and Forewind
should consider an international management forum to manage and coordinate
international interests within the Dogger Bank Zone. This particularly concerns the
adjoining Dutch and German SACs and foreign fishing effort. Questions were also raised
as to how Forewind ensures that all stakeholders are properly consulted?
Q. What can you do to contribute to making that work?

The River Tyne Leadership Group was suggested as a potential vehicle for future
consultation between Forewind and the relevant councils. The group comprises public
and private bodies (e.g. ports) and meets quarterly. It is linked to the RDA ‘One North
East’. The use of RDAs as an intermediary between Forewind and the stakeholders was
recognised as beneficial, particularly as several requests were made for a single point of
contact within Forewind. In return, consultation was thought to be easier for the
developers if a single platform for information dissemination was used.

One consultee highlighted the need to control the enthusiasm of suppliers contacting the
developers themselves which in turn will aid management of supplier expectations.
Q. What continued engagement do you want and what else do you want to know?

A general consensus was agreed for the continuation of face to face meetings, suggested
on a quarterly basis.

Stakeholders recognise the importance of one to one engagement and the development of
personal relationships with all stakeholders.

Questions were raised as to how the information will flow between
developer/stakeholder/regulators.
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
Forewind were asked to considered processes or provide solutions to address stakeholder
fatigue as several other significant stakeholder engagement schemes are also being
delivered. Suggestions were made for emails to be circulated to discuss updates and for
‘information triggers’ to be agreed. If certain subjects are highlighted in any
communication from Forewind to the stakeholders, the details of an agreed person or
point of contact is also disseminated for communication exchange.

Stakeholders requested that all the relevant documentation be provided to them in good
time to ensure that they could be read and commented on within the planning submission
timetable. Production of a timetable outlining what documents require consideration was
suggested, the time they would be provided, and the date that comments would be
required back would be useful.

Consultees recognise that all stakeholders (from statutory consultees and regulators
through to interested parties) have numerous other commitments and are unable to focus
solely on the Forewind engagement process. This is heightened by the number of other
parallel developments (other Round 3 zones, MPA’s etc) that stakeholders are invited to
comment on. Stakeholder fatigue was raised as an issue and a suggestion was made to
utilise the JNCC Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) Stakeholder Officers.

Stakeholders discussed the lack of clarity regarding their role within the IPC engagement
process. Uncertainty exists over how the stakeholders will interact with IPC throughout
the development process. Forewind were asked to give consideration on how to assist in
clarification of this.

The stakeholder’s knowledge that the IPC are expecting consulted on, and agreed
applications at the time of submission and that submission dates are fixed emphasises the
need for effective communication between Forewind and the stakeholders. Consultees
felt that in order to have a successful coexistence there should be no issues left to discuss
when the projects are handed over to the IPC.

Stakeholders suggested that consideration be given to cumulative impacts of all Round 3
zones.

Consultees suggested they be provided with information and arguments as to why certain
technical solutions are ruled out of the project, allowing them to make educated decisions
throughout the engagement process. Information on the number of personnel and
facilities that will be needed for operations and maintenance was requested, in addition to
information on MetOcean conditions throughout the operations and maintenance phases.

The significance of the fishing industry in the Dogger Bank region was recognised by all
the stakeholders throughout the workshop, discussed within the constraints and mapping
sessions.

Consultees emphasise the importance of effective dialogue with fisheries industry and
suggest the establishment of a core group within the fishing industry to provide reasoned
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
response to consultation topics. Compensation was suggested as mitigation to temporary
losses to static fishermen utilising Dogger Bank.

Recommendations were made that fish restrictions in wind farms should be communicated
into the process of designating Dogger Bank as a SAC. The use of CEFAS as a reference
to fisheries science study to establish a collaborative view on fish ecology assessment and
data collection was suggested, in addition to utilisation of information collated by the North
Sea Regional Advisory Council (NSRAC) who is initiating a project to map fisheries.
Q. Is there anything else you need to do to continue to engage?

A recurring theme across these discussions was the need for a project timeframe to be
provided by Forewind. Stakeholders see the timings of information from the developer
important to the investment decisions for the supply chain.

The timelines for key procurement decisions and what are the contracting models
(network of suppliers) were questioned. The need for a coordinated North East strategy
was recognised, with extensive potential to develop.

Stakeholders welcomed The Crown Estate supply chain road shows, but would prefer
more tangible outcomes. The main gap in supply chain is seen as the export cables and
consultees felt that Forewind need to manage the supply process rather than be driven by
it.
Additional Comments

The current capability of ports to support the supply chain, construction and operational
phases of the proposed wind farm was discussed by the stakeholders. Suggestion was
made to develop a ‘super port’ to support offshore wind farms. Recognition was also
given to the fact that port facilities will not be provided form one sole location. Instead the
notion of a ‘supply envelope’ that encompassed the North East ports was offered\
considered by the consultees to attract inward investment in infrastructure. It was
suggested that a medivac helipad will be needed for RNLI and Forewind were directed to
the CAP 437 Offshore Helicopter Landing Areas - Guidance on Standards for guidelines
on helicopter operational requirements.

Clarification was requested on Forewind’s responsibility as leaseholders in terms of
maritime artefacts, salvage etc, plus the assignment of ownership/responsibility to cultural
heritage in the Dogger Bank area.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
4.
Newcastle Event Summary
4.1
Constraints and Issues
The stakeholders attending the Newcastle event raised the following broad themes most
frequently:
Table 1 Broad themes.
Broad Theme
Issue
Environmental Issues
Dogger Bank dSAC and adjacent European SAC regimes;
Possible restriction of turbine arrays and cable positions;
Potential to increase biodiversity through the wind farm design;
Archaeological potential to be validated and sensitive areas avoided or
mitigated against.
Supply chain and job
Dogger Bank potential to create significant job opportunities in the
opportunities
region;
Use of floating islands to facilitate the service and supply chain;
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to be utilised as an
intermediary between Forewind and suppliers.
Sectoral Coexistence
Cabling and grid
Inter-turbine cabling issues;
Potential for alternative cable corridors utilising out-of-service pipelines;
Potential sterilisation of the area through coal gasification technology;
Seafloor sag of up to half a meter could be possible which needs to be
considered when routing cables.
Fishing
Dogger Bank is a significant sandeel fishery for both British and foreign
vessels;
Reduction in fishing activity within Dogger Bank will lead to an increase
in effort elsewhere;
Towing and trawling capable between turbines if sufficient distance
between them;
Although the fishing industry would prefer Forewind to locate their
proposed development elsewhere, there is an industry acceptance of
the need for wind farm developments;
Effective communication needed between Forewind and fishing industry
at all levels;
Local knowledge and information held by the Fisheries Science
Partnership useful to Dogger Bank.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Broad Theme
Issue
Oil and Gas
Spatial conflict between oil and gas licensing rounds and the proposed
wind farm.
Ports and Navigation
Port extension necessary to existing ports to accommodate the expected
growth necessary to support the supply and service chain.
Aviation
Potential provision of access and rescue services to wind farm by the
aviation industry;
Shielding of radar;
Radar scatter;
Navigational lighting of offshore wind farms;
Accuracy of mapping of on and offshore wind farms as OS and Admiralty
maps are updated very infrequently.
Construction and
Clustering of turbines to produce wake loss;
Operations
Construction of a floating island behind wake effect;
Turbine construction within the UK or transported to Dogger Bank Zone
from the UK.
Licensing and
Forewind’s influence on the National Grid’s strategy and decision making
Consents
regarding grid connection points;
More ‘developer-developer’ discussions between neighbouring projects
to reduce stakeholder fatigue and share data;
Eventual handover of responsibility from Forewind to OFTO.
General Issues
Future locations and financial viability of Round 4 offshore wind farms;
Military activity in the Dogger Bank Zone;
Future consultation with the marine aggregates industry;
Potential interaction between marine aggregate licence areas and
dredging vessels and the wind turbines, cables and supporting vessels;
Potential oil fields to be targeted for CO2 extraction from syngas.
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4.2
Conclusion
Recurring themes were apparent across the entire workshop with several questions and issues
being raised throughout every session. Of particular importance was the significant fisheries
within the Dogger Bank Zone and the process to which Forewind is to continue to engage with
the fishermen ensuring a successful future co-existence and mitigation against as many impacts
as possible. Questions on the location of the grid connection, cable landing points, associated
supply chain and regional economical development were also key issues.
Stakeholders who participated in the Newcastle workshop recognised the need for offshore wind
farms and were prepared to engage in the process. As the project is still in its early stages, the
opportunity for effective communication between the developers and the stakeholders is realised.
Continued engagement from Forewind will ensure all stakeholders are provided with the
necessary information and knowledge to make informed decision and the proposed development
is delivered in collaboration with the other marine users of the Dogger Bank Zone.
4.3
The Next Steps
The consultation phase for these reports is now closed. The final version is available for
download from the project website. Forewind is committed to open consultation throughout the
whole development process and is would like to hear from stakeholders on any issue. Forewind
can be contacted via email (info@forewind.co.uk), via the website (http://www.forewind.co.uk) or
by post (Forewind Dogger Bank Offshore Development Team, Davidson House, Forbury Square,
Reading RG1 3EU, United Kingdom).
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Appendix 1: Stakeholder Agencies
Agency
Durham Wildlife Trust
English Heritage
Government Office for the North East
JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee)
Marine and Fisheries Agency
National Trust
Natural England
New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC)
NFFO/North Sea Regional Advisory Council
North Tyneside Council
Northumberland County Council
One North East
PD Ports
Royal National Lifeboat Institute
South Tyneside Council
Sunderland City Council
Teesvalley Wildlife Trust
University of Hull
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Appendix 2: Stakeholder Ratings
Table A1 provides a representation of the morning and afternoon ratings as scored by the stakeholders.
Table A 1
Stakeholder ratings.
Stakeholder
Morning Rating
Afternoon Rating
1
0
-3
2
-5
No rating given
3
0
7
4
0
5
5
0
10
6
0
10
7
0
No rating given
8
0
0
9
3.5
No rating given
10
3.5
No rating given
11
3
3
12
5
10
13
0
5
14
10.5
6
15
7
No rating given
16
7
No rating given
17
16
9
19
10.5
No rating given
20
No rating given
14
21
14
No rating given
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Figure A1 provides a representation of the morning and afternoon ratings as scored by the stakeholders.
Newcastle Workshop: 'View on Development'
18
16
14
12
View on development ratings
10
8
6
4
2
0
Morning ratings
-2
Afternoon ratings
-4
-6
-8
-10
-12
-14
-16
-18
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Individual stakeholder responses
Figure A 1
Views on the development.
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15
16
17
18
19
20
21
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Appendix 3: Constraint Mapping by Table
Figure A 2
Table 1.
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Dogger Bank Stakeholder Event Report: Newcastle Event
Figure A 3
Table 2.
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Figure A 4
Table 3.
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Figure A 5
Table 5.
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Figure A 6
Table 5.
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Figure A 7
Table 6.
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Figure A 8
Table 7.
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