Construction began on the East Anglia THREE onshore converter station in July 2022.
Early work will include excavation to build the platform where the converter station will stand. Materials dug out in the process will be re-used on the Bramford site to create a landscaped bund to screen the development.
A site support team to oversee the works will be recruited soon, including a construction manager and site manager.
Conor Docherty, lead project manager for the converter station construction, said: “We will be installing some of the temporary infrastructure, access roads, earth works and compounds, carrying out excavation to form the converter station platform and build up the landscaping features on the site in line with the Landscape Management Plan.”
Trees will be planted on the bunds. Over time, the trees will grow to provide a visual barrier for the converter station behind. The contract for the converter station was awarded last year to a collaboration of Siemens and Aker Solutions, with Siemens the principal contractor for the onshore works. For the duration of the construction phase, the whole area will be fenced off and secured with a metal hoarding fence, which is a requirement of the development consent.
Onshore Converter Station Code of Construction Practice (CoCP)
The CoCP provides a key mechanism, enforceable by Requirement 22 of the DCO, through which the regulatory authorities can be assured that environmental impacts associated with the construction of the onshore Converter Station Stage will be appropriately controlled and mitigated.
Even after consent, we continue to revise and improve our projects
We have reduced the height and area of the converter station and control buildings since consent in August 2017. Consent stipulated that the buildings must not exceed a height of 25m and 116m in length and 85m in width.
Today’s designs illustrate significant reductions. The maximum height of the converter building to the apex of the roof is 20.77m. The maximum height of the control building is 6.64m. The converter building will be 74.65m long x 46.70m wide. The control building will be 41.10m long x 22.80m wide.
Other changes since consent include:
- Additional landscaping
- Woodland creation and maintenance
- Hedgerow planting
- Species-rich grasslands
- Pond creation in marginal aquatic plants
Ecological enhancements will be installed around the site to further enhance biodiversity opportunities. Enhancements will include features important for species identified in and around site, including bats, birds and amphibians. Features will also provide opportunities for other mammals and invertebrates.