UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has approved a Kittiwake Compensation Implementation and Monitoring Plan (KCIMP) for Orsted’s 2.6GW Hornsea 4 wind farm, located off the east coast of England. The plan mandates that Orsted provide an artificial nesting structure at Hartlepool for two full breeding seasons before any turbines at the North Sea project can be operated.
This decision brings to an end a prolonged debate over compensation measures for the kittiwake population, as Orsted had initially sought approval for an offshore artificial nesting site (ANS) to be built for the 2023-consented project. The developer had secured a lease with the Crown Estate for two potential locations but later determined in late 2023 that the delivery cost of the offshore solution significantly exceeded its initial budget.
Miliband supported the revised plan, which includes an onshore ANS that will be shared with the neighboring 2.9GW Hornsea 3 project. The revised plan is designed to meet the kittiwake compensation requirements, providing 750 nest spaces for the seabirds.
“I agree with Orsted that the amended proposals for an onshore ANS can fulfil the kittiwake compensation requirements for 750 nest spaces,” Miliband said. He added that Orsted had “made a compelling case that the delivery of an offshore ANS would adversely affect the delivery of the project” after receiving objections from Natural England regarding the new measures.
The approval marks a significant step forward for the Hornsea 4 wind farm, as it moves closer to construction while ensuring that environmental considerations, specifically for the kittiwake population, are addressed.
