Mona Offshore Wind Farm

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Mona Offshore Wind Farm

Received 03 May 2024
From Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited

Representation

Relevant Representation by Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited 1. Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited is the developer of the Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm project (AyM). AyM was consented by way of a development consent order made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on 19 September 2023, pursuant to which Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited is the undertaker with powers to construct and operate AyM. 2. Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited is also the holder of an electricity generation licence granted by Ofgem on 28 January 2021. 3. The proposed onshore Order limits for the Mona Offshore Wind project (MOWP) overlap significantly with the Order limits for AyM in the vicinity of the proposed connection points for both projects to the National Grid substation at Bodelwyddan, as described in more detail below. 4. The proposed offshore export cable corridor for MOWP also crosses the area over which AyM holds an agreement for lease from The Crown Estate. 5. The MOWP proposals will also have other interactions with AyM offshore, including potential construction and operational-related interfaces and impacts. 6. This relevant representation outlines the main issues which Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited identifies are required to be considered as part of the examination of the MOWP proposals in relation to the overlap between the projects, and the measures which are required to ensure that the delivery of AyM is not impaired by the MOWP proposals. 7. The proposed MOWP Work Nos. 25 and 26, shown on the Works Plan – Onshore (examination library reference: APP-008) and described in the MOWP draft development consent order (DCO) (examination library reference: APP-023) overlap with Work Nos. 36, 39, 39A and 40 as authorised by The Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Order. In addition, MOWP Work Nos. 30 and 38 (permanent access) overlap with Work Nos. 39 and 41 of the AyM consent. 8. Proposed MOWP Work No. 25 includes the installation of cables and a temporary construction compound (TCC). As was highlighted in Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited's statutory consultation response on the MOWP proposals dated 26th May 2023, any proposals to locate a TCC or cables within the AyM DCO boundary and/or above the installed 400kV cable of AyM require further detailed consideration. In particular, Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited would seek assurance from MOWP that both parties will look to avoid crossing each other’s cables. 9. The MOWP draft development consent order would also confer powers of compulsory acquisition and temporary possession over these areas and Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited would object to the grant of those powers without appropriate protections for AyM. 10. In the light of these interactions, it will be necessary for the development consent order for MOWF to include protective provisions for the benefit of AyM. Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited is discussing these matters with MOWP and will continue dialogue with MOWP to ensure that the MOWP proposals do not adversely affect AyM. 11. Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Limited therefore wishes to register as an Interested Party for the examination of MOWP and would be happy to participate further in the examination to assist the Examining Authority in understanding the interaction between the AyM and MOWP projects and the necessary protections required for AyM.