e-Poster: Sea2Shore Submarine Cable-Transmission Interconnection For The Block Island Wind Farm: A Case Study-Environmental Considerations
(Room Station 1)
22 Oct 19
12:15 PM
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12:30 PM
Tracks:
Continuing Permitting & Leasing Momentum
Renewable energy, including offshore wind generation, is on the forefront of planning, design and construction by the utility industry and private developers. One such renewable energy project is the offshore Block Island Wind Farm and the associated sea2shore Submarine Cable, the first offshore wind farm facility in the United States. The sea2shore Submarine Cable is a 21-mile, 34.5 kilovolt, 3/C armored, alternating current bi-directional submarine, sub-transmission cable that provides the interconnection between the offshore wind farm generation at Block Island and mainland Rhode Island. Securing the regulatory licensing and environmental permitting for an offshore wind farm facility is the initial step. Prior to construction, post-license filings are required with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, including the preparation of a Facility Design Report, Fabrication and Installation Report, and pre-construction notifications. The subsequent step is implementing the Construction and Operation Plan to comply with issued environmental permit conditions, maintaining the health and safety of all crew members, and adjusting to changing sea-state and weather conditions during construction. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of marine installations plays a role in effective permitting and facilitates construction. A case study of the cable installation and environmental requirements will be presented.