Shell Flat

The Shell Flat Sandbank was the site of a proposed Cirrus Shell Flat Array offshore wind farm in Lancashire, England. It is located about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) off the coast between Blackpool and Cleveleys.[1] The wind farm project was canceled in 2008.

Cirrus Shell Flat Array
CountryEngland
LocationIrish Sea, between Blackpool and Cleveleys
Coordinates53°51′0″N 3°10′1″W
StatusCancelled
Owner(s)Cirrus Energy (original developer)
Scottish Power
Wind farm
Distance from shore8 km (5 mi)
Power generation
Units operational60
Nameplate capacity180 MW

History

The original application was submitted in 2003.[1][2] The permission for the site studies was granted on 16 June 2004.[3] The new application with changed location was submitted in 2007.[1][2] The application for planning permission was withdrawn in 2008.[2]

Description

The Cirrus Shell Flat Array would contain 90 turbines rated at 180 MW. A later redesign of the scheme, by Scottish Power, for 284 MW, was withdrawn from the planning process in November 2008.[2]

Developers

The developer, Cirrus Energy, was a consortium made up of CeltPower Ltd (subsidiary of Scottish Power), Elsam A/S (now DONG Energy) and Shell Wind Energy Aegir Ltd. Shell's interest in the project has subsequently been reported sold to the project's partners, Scottish Power and DONG Energy.[4] However, this was denied by Shell.[5]

Reasons for cancellation

The project was canceled due safety and environmental concerns. The application was withdrawn after the developers failed to reach an agreement with BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence over concerns of an interference with their radar systems and a potential physical obstruction for low flying aircraft.[6] There were concerns that the wind farm would interfere with BAE Systems test flying at Warton.[7] Also potential risk to shipping was one of concerns.[8]

Construction of the wind farm was objected by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.[9] A large population of common scoters (sea duck) was found near the site.[10] This cause the relocation of site in 2005 more close to Fleetwood.[6] However, the new site was in addition to BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence also objected by the Blackpool International Airport and local fishermen.[7]

References
  1. "Wind farm planned for Blackpool". BBC News. BBC. 16 February 2007. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  2. "Shell Flat CFSA". Scottish Power. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  3. "Scottish Power Given Go Ahead to Develop Windfarm in Irish Sea" (Press release). Scottish Power. 16 June 2004. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  4. Fortson, Danny (19 October 2008). "Shell pulls out of its last UK wind farm project". The Sunday Times. Times Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  5. Scuffham, Matthew (19 October 2008). "Shell denies selling stake in UK wind farm". Reuters. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  6. "Shell Flat offshore wind farm scrapped over aviation concerns". New Energy Focus. 14 November 2008. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  7. Halstead, Tom (7 November 2008). "£800m turbine plans rejected". The Gazette. Johnston Press Digital Publishing. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  8. Halstead, Tom (8 February 2008). "Warning call on windfarm". The Gazette. Johnston Press Digital Publishing. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  9. "Wind farm 'threat to bird life'". BBC News. BBC. 3 March 2004. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  10. "Move to protect sea bird colonies". BBC News. BBC. 27 November 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
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