SSE Renewables and RWE are set to begin a geotechnical survey campaign in August for the proposed 1-gigawatt (GW) North Falls offshore wind project located off the east coast of England, the developers confirmed.
The survey will assess the proposed 57-turbine array site, situated approximately 40 kilometres off the East Anglia coast, along with the project’s planned export cable corridor. The data will support the ongoing planning and permitting process.
Dutch firm Fugro has been contracted to carry out the investigations using its Voe Vanguard vessel. According to a mariners notice, mobilisation to the survey sites is expected to begin on 3 August and continue for around two months, subject to weather conditions.
The survey work will include downhole sampling and cone penetration testing in both sand and clay seabed conditions. This will be followed by rotary core drilling in rock layers, reaching depths of up to six metres below the seabed.
The North Falls project is currently under review by the UK Planning Inspectorate, which is examining the developers’ application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).
The North Falls wind farm is a proposed extension of the operational Greater Gabbard offshore wind farm and forms part of the UK’s broader efforts to expand offshore renewable capacity in support of its net-zero emissions targets.
