Vastavalt nimekirjale
Meie 02.03.2021 nr 7-12/20/2555-16
Rootsi Kattegatt Syd meretuulepargi projekti
piiriülene keskkonnamõju hindamine
Vastavalt piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsioonile (Espoo konventsioonile) on
Rootsi teavitanud Eestit arendaja Vattenfall AB projektist püstitada Rootsi majandusvöönisse
Kattegati meretuulepark nimega „Kattegatt Syd“. Hinnanguliselt oleks tuulikute maksimaalne
arv 80 ning maksimaalne tipukõrgus 350 m, meretuulepargi potentsiaalne aastane koguvõimsus
4,7 TWh. Kirjale on lisatud ingliskeelne projekti ja selle elluviimisega eeldatavalt kaasnevat
keskkonnamõju (sh piiriülest keskkonnamõju) kirjeldav informatsioonidokument.
Lähtuvalt Rootsi määratud vastamistähtajast ootame 16. märtsiks 2021 põhjendatud arvamusi selle
kohta, kas Eesti peaks osalema kõnealuse projekti piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise
menetluses. Juhul, kui peate vajalikuks Eesti osalemist menetluses, on oodatud ka arvamused selle
kohta, milline oluline kahjulik piiriülene keskkonnamõju võiks Eestile kaasneda, et arendaja saaks
sellega arvestada keskkonnamõju hindamise materjalide koostamisel.
Lugupidamisega
(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)
Kaupo Heinma
asekantsler
Lisa: Kattegatt Syd informatsioonidokument
Rainer Persidski, 626 2973
[email protected]
Narva maantee 7a/ Tallinn 15172/ 626 2802/
[email protected]/ www.envir.ee/
Registrikood 70001231
Documentation for the Espoo consultation prior to the establishment
of Kattegatt Syd wind farm
Vattenfall Vindkraft AB
Vattenfall Vindnät Sverige AB
Kattegatt Syd
Documentation for the Espoo consultation
prior to the establishment of offshore wind
power in the Kattegat Sea
Date: 22 February 2021
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Kattegatt Syd
Alma Strandmark Environmental Consultant, WSP
Greta Lindberg Environmental Consultant, WSP
Agnes Larsson Environmental Consultant, WSP
Authors, WSP: Carolina Enhus Environmental Consultant, WSP
Malin Jonsson Environmental Consultant, WSP
Erik Dalman Environmental Consultant, WSP
Jonas Sahlin Project Lead, WSP
Review, WSP: Patrik Lindström Environmental Consultant, WSP
Approved by, WSP Jonas Sahlin Project Lead, WSP
Anna Seffel
Consents Manager
Daniel Bates
Review, Vattenfall: Consents Manager
Mikael Berglund (Lawyer,
Legal Representative
Fröberg & Lundholm)
Approved by,
Johan Weimenhög Project Manager, Vattenfall
Vattenfall:
Documentation for Espoo consultation prior to application for
Document title:
establishment of wind farm in the Kattegat Sea
Version: Final version
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Summary
Introduction
Vattenfall plans to apply for a permit to establish an offshore wind farm in the
Kattegat sea. The area for the wind farm, called Kattegatt Syd, is located about
25 km outside Falkenberg between the two Natura 2000 areas; Stora
Middelgrund and Röde bank, and Lilla Middelgrund. Kattegatt Syd will have the
potential to generate 4.7 TWh per year, which is currently equivalent to around
2.5-3% of Sweden's total electricity generation, and the project is therefore an
important part of Sweden's and Europe's transition to renewable electricity
generation and ambition for a climate-neutral society.
Consultation
The project has the potential to have a significant environmental impact and may
affect the environment outside Sweden's borders. This document constitutes the
basis for a consultation on transboundary environmental impact, known as an
Espoo Consultation. In accordance with Chapter 6, Section 33 of the
Environmental Code and the Espoo Convention, the countries concerned must be
informed of activities, their possible transboundary consequences and the type of
decision that may be taken, as well as being given reasonable time to comment
on whether they wish to participate in the Environmental Impact Assessment. In
Sweden, notification is handled by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
The contacted countries that consider themselves to be affected will be given the
opportunity to submit comments prior to the preparation of the Environmental
Impact Assessment.
In parallel, a consultation will take place with authorities, stakeholder
organisations and those specifically affected in Sweden prior to the major permit
applications required for the establishment of the wind farm in Sweden's
economic zone, the laying of export cables and inter-array cables, and the laying
of underground cables from the landfall point and onto the Swedish national
transmission grid.
Description of the project
A significant transboundary environmental impact may result from the installation
and operation of the wind farm, consisting of the wind turbines, their foundations
and inter-array cables that connect the wind turbines with up to two offshore
substations. The project will also include the installation and operation of export
cables to connect the wind farm to the Swedish transmission grid. However, these
measures are not expected to have any significant transboundary impact and are
therefore not described in more detail in this consultation document. However, the
export cable corridors under consideration are marked on maps in the
consultation documentation in order to illustrate potential locations in relation to
territorial waters and Swedish economic zone borders.
According to the preliminary schedule, installation of the wind farm is planned to
start in 2028 and to be operational in 2030. As the technology for offshore wind
power is rapidly developing, it is not possible to say with certainty exactly which
technical solutions will be available once wind farm installation commences. As a
result, various examples of potential wind farm designs are presented for the
different parts of the project. The maximum height of the wind turbines is
estimated to be 350 m and the number of turbines is estimated to be a maximum
of 80. The number, size and location of the wind turbines in the area are
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presented in two different example layouts (one with a greater number of smaller
wind turbines and one with fewer but larger wind turbines). The wind turbines will
be visible both from the Swedish coast and from the Danish island of Anholt.
Marine environment
Close to the wind farm there are areas for porpoises, seabirds and spawning
areas for cod. In the area of the planned wind farm, the seabed is dominated by
soft-sediment communities. The area is close to important shipping lanes and is
used by fishermen from Sweden and Denmark.
The installation and operation of the wind farm will affect the marine environment
in one way or another. During the installation phase, underwater noise (mainly
due to pile-driving foundations) and turbidity (e.g. laying of cables) will occur.
Porpoises and other marine mammals are sensitive to underwater noise and risk
being affected during the installation phase. Fish are at risk of being affected by
both underwater noise and operations that cause turbidity, while the impact on
seabirds is believed to be primarily linked to a change in their habitat during the
operational phase. The seabed community can be impacted both through
permanently changed habitats and as a result of time-limited turbidity during the
installation phase.
However, previous studies show that most marine organisms are not disrupted by
a wind farm’s presence, once in place. Commercial fishing will be possible in the
area even after the wind farm is in place, but it is likely that certain types of fishing
such as bottom trawling will need to adapt to the new conditions in the wind farm
area.
The wind farm’s potential transboundary impact is primarily related to Natura
2000 sites, mobile species such as marine mammals and birds, benthic species
at the wind farm's border with Denmark, commercial fishing, shipping and the
visual landscape.
The wind farm area will be thoroughly examined through extensive field studies of
birds, porpoises and the seabed community. An analysis of the impact on
commercial fishing within the wind farm will also be carried out. Investigations of
various impact types, such as turbidity, noise, hydrodynamic conditions, and risk
analyses for shipping, etc., will be carried out to enable mitigation of the negative
effects to the natural environment, infrastructure and people's well-being.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction and background................................................................................. 8
1.1. Consultation ................................................................................................... 8
1.2. Administrative details ..................................................................................... 8
1.3. Introduction .................................................................................................... 9
1.4. Kattegatt Syd ............................................................................................... 10
2. Permits and legal areas ........................................................................................ 14
2.1. Wind farm permit (Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone Act (1992:1140))..... 15
2.2. Natura 2000 permit (Chapter 7, Section 28 a of the Environmental Code) .. 15
2.3. Permit in accordance with the the Continental Shelf Act for laying cables in
the Swedish economic zone and in the territorial sea (Section 3a of the
Continental Shelf Act (1966:314)) ................................................................ 15
3. Planned operations ............................................................................................... 17
3.1. Wind farm..................................................................................................... 17
3.1.1. Turbines ....................................................................................... 17
3.1.2. Foundations .................................................................................. 19
3.1.3. Internal cable network .................................................................. 21
3.1.4. Substation(s) ................................................................................ 22
3.1.5. Dredged material management .................................................... 22
3.2. Decommissioning the farm ........................................................................... 23
3.3. Preliminary schedule .................................................................................... 23
4. List of alternative locations .................................................................................. 25
4.1. Wind farm..................................................................................................... 25
5. Impacts ................................................................................................................... 27
5.1. Wind farm..................................................................................................... 27
5.1.1. Installation phase.......................................................................... 27
5.1.2. Operational phase ........................................................................ 29
5.2. Decommissioning of the project ................................................................... 30
6. Ambient conditions ............................................................................................... 32
6.1. Wind farm..................................................................................................... 32
6.1.1. Wind and wave conditions ............................................................ 32
6.1.2. Hydrodynamic conditions ............................................................. 32
6.1.3. Water depth .................................................................................. 33
6.1.4. Seabed substrate ......................................................................... 34
6.1.5. Natura 2000 .................................................................................. 34
6.1.6. Natural environment ..................................................................... 36
6.1.7. Recreation and outdoor activity .................................................... 41
6.1.8. Business and infrastructure .......................................................... 41
6.1.9. Fishing 42
6.1.10. Pollution and environmentally hazardous areas ......................... 43
6.1.11. Marine spatial planning............................................................... 43
7. Potential environmental impact ........................................................................... 46
7.1. Wind farm..................................................................................................... 46
7.1.1. Hydrodynamic conditions ............................................................. 46
7.1.2. Natura 2000 .................................................................................. 46
7.1.3. Other protected areas................................................................... 47
7.1.4. Natural environment ..................................................................... 47
7.1.5. Cultural heritage ........................................................................... 49
7.1.6. Recreation and outdoor activity .................................................... 49
7.1.7. Business and infrastructure .......................................................... 50
7.1.8. Fishing 50
7.1.9. Pollution and environmentally hazardous areas ........................... 50
7.2. Climate impact ............................................................................................. 51
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7.3. Transboundary impact ................................................................................. 51
7.3.1. Natura 2000 .................................................................................. 51
7.3.2. Natural environment ..................................................................... 51
7.3.3. Fishing industry ............................................................................ 52
7.3.4. Shipping ....................................................................................... 52
7.3.5. Visual landscape .......................................................................... 53
7.4. Environmental risk and safety ...................................................................... 53
8. Cumulative environmental impact ....................................................................... 55
9. Planned investigations ......................................................................................... 58
10. Environmental impact assessment design proposal ......................................... 61
11. Figures and tables................................................................................................. 64
List of Appendices
Marine environment charts:
Appendix 1A Depth
Appendix 1B Substrate
Appendix 1C Seabed Community
Appendix 1D Mammals, Birds
Appendix 1F Seafaring
Appendix 1H Fishing
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Chapter 1
Introduction and
background
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1. Introduction and background
1.1. Consultation
Vattenfall is conducting a joint consultation process for Kattegatt Syd's various
permit applications. (described in more detail in Chapter 2) to get the best
possible overall, initial assessment of a project that is of great importance to
society. This is in line with the ambition of the Swedish Environmental Code.
As the wind farm part of the project is deemed to potentially have a significant
impact on the environment outside Sweden's border, the countries concerned, in
accordance with Chapter 6, Section 33 of the Environmental Code and the Espoo
Convention, must be informed of the operations, their possible transboundary
consequences, the type of decision that may be taken and be given reasonable
time to express whether they want to participate in the environmental impact
assessment. Other parts of the project (export and underground cables) are not
expected to affect the environment outside Sweden's borders.
According to Section 21 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, it is
the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's obligation to inform affected
countries about activities (notification phase) and to initiate a consultation phase
with the countries contacted. If these countries consider themselves to be
affected by the operations, they will be given the opportunity to submit comments.
The expected transboundary impact of Kattegatt Syd is described in Chapter 7.3.
As stated above, a potentially significant transboundary environmental impact can
be expected in installing, operating and decommissioning the wind farm. The wind
farm includes wind turbines, inter-array cables and offshore substation(s).
Infrastructure outside the wind farm consists of export cables and underground
cables for the transfer of generated electricity to the Swedish transmission grid.
Installation, operation and decommissioning infrastructure outside the wind farm
is not believed to have a transboundary impact.
In terms of time, consultation and the forthcoming Environmental Impact
Assessment are limited to the total service life of the wind farm, i.e. its installation,
operation and decommissioning. Installation work is planned to start in 2028 with
an expected operational phase of 30 years.
1.2. Administrative details
This consultation is being carried out by Vattenfall Vindkraft AB and Vattenfall
Vindnät Sverige AB prior to a number of permit applications. Chapter 2 contains a
more detailed account of future permits for the part of the project that may result
in significant transboundary environmental impact. To simplify, the consultation
document will hereinafter refer to these entities as “Vattenfall”.
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Operator 1: Vattenfall Vindkraft AB
Corporate ID number: 556731-0866
Operator 2: Vattenfall Vindnät Sverige AB
Corporate ID number: 556743-8147
Joint contact details for both companies:
Address: SE-169 92 Solna
Visiting address: . Evenemangsgatan 13 C Stockholm
Project manager: Johan Weimenhög
Contact person for environmental issues: Anna Seffel
Contact details:
[email protected]
Plant name: Kattegatt Syd Wind Farm
Description of property: Wind farm
County: Halland County
Area: Kattegatt Syd
1.3. Introduction
The Vattenfall Group is one of Europe's biggest generators of electrical energy
and heat, and also one of the biggest retailers on the European market. The
Vattenfall Group has long and extensive experience in developing wind power
projects and of installing and operating wind farms, both onshore and offshore.
Renewable energy sources such as wind power are vital for reducing climate
emissions. In 2018, the Swedish Parliament adopted the target that specifies that
100% of Sweden's electricity generation should come from renewable sources by
2040. To achieve this goal, generation from wind power must be multiplied many
times over. The energy industry is approaching a tipping point, and today, wind is
often the cheapest form of new generation.
Vattenfall’s goal is to make fossil-free living possible within one generation.
Today, 35% of the Vattenfall Group’s generation capacity comes from renewable
sources, and wind power is a growing pillar of Group strategy. Vattenfall is a
market leader in wind power. Vattenfall currently has around 1,100 wind turbines
in operation (offshore and onshore), in around fifty farms located in five countries,
with a total installed capacity of around 2,800 MW (Figure 1). Vattenfall is aiming
for a strong portfolio of onshore and offshore wind to continue to play a strong
role in the European energy transition. The realization of the Kattegatt Syd wind
farm is an important piece of the puzzle in Vattenfall's work to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions that affect the climate.
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Figure 1. Vattenfall's offshore wind power project in Northern Europe.
1.4. Kattegatt Syd
There are many advantages to building offshore wind power. Wind conditions are
generally more favourable offshore than onshore. Vattenfall is investing heavily in
offshore wind power and Kattegatt Syd is one of the three projects Vattenfall is
developing in Swedish waters. The planned Kattegatt Syd wind farm covers an
area approximately 177 km2 in the Kattegat sea, approximately 20 km from the
coast. The area lies entirely within the Swedish economic zone, at the border of
the Danish economic zone, just north of Vattenfall's planned offshore wind farm
Stora Middelgrund and outside the Natura 2000 areas of Stora Middelgrund and
Röde bank, and Lilla Middelgrund (Figure 2).
Export cables from the wind farm are planned to run north towards Väröbacka,
Varberg municipality. Various options have been developed for routing the cable
corridor and for the cable landfall. At the landfall, the submarine cables are
transferred to the underground cable, which is connected to the transmission grid
at a suitable connection point. Ultimately, there will be an export cable corridor, a
landfall and an underground cable corridor that will be used for installing and
operating the project.
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Figure 2. Overview map of the planned Kattegatt Syd wind farm area with alternative export cable and ground
cable corridors.
Kattegatt Syd will have an installed capacity of up to 1200 MW and an estimated
annual production of approximately 4.7 TWh, which corresponds to the annual
demand for renewable household electricity for approximately 780,000
households. According to the Swedish Energy Agency,1 Sweden's total electricity
generation in 2019 was 164 TWh (of which wind power accounted for 19.9 TWh).
The estimated output from Kattegatt Syd thus amounts to 2.5-3% of Sweden's
1https://www.energimyndigheten.se/nyhetsarkiv/2020/2019-rekordar-for-svensk-
elproduktion/
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current total electricity production. The project is therefore an important part of
Sweden’s and Europe's process of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Vattenfall's objective is to build a wind farm that is as efficient as possible in an
environmentally responsible manner. In order to minimise the effects on the
environment, a number of different environmental studies are being conducted
and planned (with the help of experts in each area) that will serve as a basis for
future permit applications. As a world-leading developer of offshore wind power
with its own research team in the field, Vattenfall can benefit from its extensive in-
house experience and unique expertise in the field of technology and the
environment to find sustainable design solutions for the farm.
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Chapter 2
Permits, legislation and
reading references
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2. Permits and legal areas
Several permits will be applied for to establish the Kattegatt Syd wind farm. These
are summarized in Table 1 below. The legal situation for the various permits is
described in more detail in Chapter 2.1–2.3.
Table 1. Main permits for the installation and operation of Kattegatt Syd.
Permit Applicant Permit authority
Permit and operation of the wind farm in Sweden's Vattenfall Government,
economic zone in accordance with the Sweden's Vindkraft AB Ministry of the
Exclusive Economic Zone Act (1992:1140) Environment and Energy
Permits in accordance with Chapter 7, Section 28a Vattenfall Halland County
of the Environmental Code for measures that can Vindkraft AB Administrative Board
significantly affect the environment within a Natura
2000 area (Natura 2000 permit)
Permit for laying inter-array cables in accordance Vattenfall Government,
with the the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314) Vindkraft AB Ministry of Enterprise
and Innovation
Though the permits are reviewed by different authorities, Vattenfall's ambition is
for the permit examinations to be carried out simultaneously.
A prerequisite for all permit examinations is that the impact on the environment is
specifically assessed and that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is
prepared in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6 of the Environmental
Code. For further information on the planned limits of the forthcoming EIA, see
Chapter 10.
In addition to the above permits, other approvals may also need to be obtained,
e.g. a sediment disposal exemption. A number of additional permits will be
obtained for the implementation of the project as a whole, including permits in
accordance with the Environmental Code, permits for laying export cables in
accordance with the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314) and network concessions
for lines in accordance with the Electricity Act (1997:857), all related to the export
cable.
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2.1. Wind farm permit (Swedish Exclusive
Economic Zone Act (1992:1140))
According to the Sweden's Exclusive Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, the installation
and use of facilities for commercial purposes in the economic zone requires a
permit from the Government. According to the Ordinance on Sweden's Exclusive
Economic Zone, the application is processed by the Ministry of the Environment.
2.2. Natura 2000 permit (Chapter 7, Section 28 a of
the Environmental Code)
Halland County Administrative Board is the permit authority for a Natura 2000
permit for Kattegatt Syd. Before applying for a permit in accordance with Chapter
7, Section 28 a, a specific EIA must be made of the project. The application,
according to Chapter 6, Section 36 of the Environmental Code, must include a
description of the project's consequences for the purpose of conservation of the
area.
The area for the planned wind farm is located between two Natura 2000 areas:
Lilla Middelgrund in the north and Stora Middelgrund and Röde bank in the south
(Chapter 6.1.5). As significant impact on the environment in these Natura 2000
sites cannot be excluded at this stage, the assumption is that a Natura 2000
permit linked to the installation and operation of the wind farm will be required.
The assessment is based on impact factors such as underwater noise, turbidity
and sediment deposition associated with the wind farm installation phase, as well
as potential displacement of birds during the operational phase. The impact on
the environment in these Natura 2000 sites resulting from the wind farm will be
further investigated. Further investigation will also clarify whether additional
Natura 2000 sites need to be included in a Natura 2000 permit for the installation
or operation of the wind farm.
2.3. Permit in accordance with the Continental
Shelf Act for laying cables in the Swedish
economic zone and in the territorial sea
(Section 3a of the Continental Shelf Act
(1966:314))
The laying of the submarine cables (both within the economic zone and Swedish
marine territory) requires permits in accordance with the Continental Shelf Act
(1966:314).
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Chapter 3
Planned operations
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3. Planned operations
3.1. Wind farm
The wind farm is primarily composed of wind turbines with foundations and inter-
array cables that connects the wind turbines via one, or possibly two, substations
(Figure 3). In installing the wind farm, the various parts are usually transported by
barge or offshore vessel. The various parts are then assembled on site using a
crane.
Figure 3. Schematic of an offshore wind farm, including all its parts.
Offshore wind technology is currently developing at a rapid rate. It is therefore
difficult to predict which technology will be available at the time of detailed design
planning. As a result, no decisions have been made regarding the final design of
the wind farm, the choice of foundations and the installation technology. It is
important that future technical solutions are taken into account and can be used in
the project, i.e., to not yet commit to a specific technical solution.
3.1.1. Turbines
A wind turbine consists of a tower, a hub with rotor blades, and a nacelle. The
tower is usually made of steel in shades of white or grey and is mounted on a
foundation. The output, size and location of each individual wind turbine will be
selected according to the technology available at the time of the tender. The plan
is to apply for permits for up to 80 wind turbines and a maximum total height of
350 m. Total height refers to the height from the water surface up to the
uppermost tip of the rotor. In order to illustrate possible designs, two example
layouts have been presented with two different wind turbine sizes (15 MW and
20+ MW) for which the total number of wind turbines is estimated to be 80 and 60,
respectively (see Table 2 and Figure 4. The two examples represent two possible
extremes ('worst case’ scenarios). Example 1 is the wind farm designed with the
maximum number of turbines, achieving a capacity of 1200 MW, whereas
Example 2 is the design with the greatest total height. It is not impossible that
there will be wind turbines with a higher output than 20MW+ at the time of detail
design planning.
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Table 2. Example of wind farm layout.
Wind turbine design Example 1 Example 2
Number of wind turbines 80 60
Maximum total height (m) 260 350
Rotor diameter (m) 230 320
Capacity 15 MW 20 MW+
Figure 4. Two different examples of wind farm layouts. Example 1 illustrates 80 turbines with a total height of
260 m. Example 2 illustrates 60 turbines with a total height of 350 m (data source: depth from EMODnet).
Regardless of the size of the wind turbine, the distance between the water
surface and the blade is planned to be the same for the two example layouts
(minimum 20 m). The average distance between the wind turbine foundations for
the 60 wind turbine option is about 1.6 km and for the 80 wind turbine option
about 1.2 km. The relative size of the wind turbines in examples 1 and 2 is shown
in Figure 5 below. The wind turbines will be equipped with obstruction lighting in
accordance with prevailing regulations.
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Figure 5. The relative size of the wind turbines for each wind farm layout example.
3.1.2. Foundations
Different types of foundations can be used for offshore wind turbine installation,
the suitability of which depends on conditions such as depth, seabed conditions
and wind turbine size. Figure 6 shows the types of foundations that are currently
being considered for Kattegatt Syd. Normally, all foundations in a wind farm will
be of the same type, but in special cases, for example, when geotechnical
conditions and depths vary greatly within the wind farm area, it may be
preferential to use different types of foundations in the same wind farm.
Considering the speed of technological developments, it is possible that other
types of foundations may be relevant at the time of installation than those
presented in this consultation document.
Some form of scour protection is usually used around the foundation. The need
for scour protection and the type of protection used will depend, for example, on
the flow rate of the water, the seabed substrate and the type of foundation. A
common form of scour protection is to lay several layers of different size stones
around the base of the foundation.
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Figure 6. The different types of foundations currently applicable in Kattegatt Syd.
Monopile foundation
Monopile foundations (Figure 6) are the type of foundation most commonly used
in offshore wind power. With today's technology, these can be installed down to a
water depth of about 40 m. The monopile foundation consists of a steel cylinder
pile driven into the seabed (in some cases by drilling or a combination of piling
and drilling). This foundation type is suitable when the seabed substrate consists
of sand, rock-mixed base or clay with a solid underlying layer and is less suitable
in areas of bedrock or in the presence of large boulders. The monopile
foundations considered in Kattegatt Syd have a diameter of between 10 and 14
m. Scour protection in the form of stones or equivalent is added and laid approx.
15 to 30 m around the foundation.
The advantages of monopile foundations are their relatively small footprint and
relatively quick installation. In general, limited preparation of the seabed is
required when installing monopile foundations, but some dredging/levelling may
be required, especially when there are sand dunes.
Monopile foundations can be transported out to the wind farm either by towing
(floating in the water) or by ship/barge. The foundation is placed on the seabed
either from a jack-up vessel or from a floating crane.
Gravity base foundations
Gravity base foundations may have a variety of designs, but usually they are
made up of a cylindrical structure on top of a cone-shaped base structure (Figure
6). The foundation usually consists of concrete with steel reinforcement. Before
installing a gravity base foundation, dredging/levelling prep work of the seabed
surface is usually required, especially in areas with sand dunes. It may also be
necessary to construct a hardened plateau before the foundation can be installed.
When using this foundation type, the foundation's base diameter is expected to be
50–60 m and its associated scour protection is expected to have a diameter of
between approx. 250 and 300 m. Installation takes place by lowering the
foundation to the seabed where it is held in place by its own weight. Compared to
monopiles and jacket foundations, gravity base foundations have a larger footprint
and require considerably more material and longer working time in water. The
advantage of gravity base foundations is that no drilling or piling is required during
installation, which minimises the generation of underwater noise.
Gravity base foundations are manufactured on land and transported out to the
area either by towing (floating in the water) or on board a barge or offshore
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vessel. The foundation is then lowered to the seabed by means of a crane and
then filled with ballast, e.g. sand.
Jacket foundations (jacket)
Jacket foundations (Figure 6) consist of a steel tube structure and are available in
a variety of designs. Jacket foundations are adapted for use at great water depths
(over 40 m). The type of jacket foundation that could be used in Kattegatt Syd is
anchored to the seabed either by piling or drilling three to four steel pipes into the
seabed or by means of suction buckets (caissons). The suction buckets consist of
steel cylinders (diameters between 14 and 20 m) which are lowered into the
sediment and installed by sucking water out of each caisson, resulting in a suction
force which pulls the foundation down (no drilling or piling required). Stone or
equivalent scour protection is added and laid within a distance of approx. 15 to 30
m around the caissons.
When installing by means of piling, the method is similar to that for monopile
foundations (see paragraph above), but since the energy required for piling is
determined by the size of the steel pipe, significantly less energy is required for
installation of jacket foundations. The piles for jacket foundations are relatively
narrow (3–4 m in diameter). Stone or an equivalent scour protection is added and
laid within a distance of approx. 4 to 6 m per steel pipe. Installation by drilling is
primarily applicable for hard seabeds (sometimes piling may also require pre-
drilling).
Jacket foundations have the advantage of being suitable for greater depths (than
monopiles). In addition, the same degree of piling work is not necessary as for
monopile foundations, thus limiting the generation of underwater noise. The base
area used for the foundation itself is relatively small. In contrast to monopile,
however, more extensive dredging/levelling of the seabed is required when
installing jacket foundations as all legs must be level.
Jacket foundations are transported out to the area by barge or offshore vessel. As
with monopile foundations, jacket foundations are assembled using a crane from
a jack-up vessel or crane vessel.
3.1.3. Internal cable network
The inter-array cables connect the wind turbines to the offshore substation(s).
Single wind turbines are likely to be interconnected in groups which are then
connected to the offshore substation(s). The cables will be laid by a cable laying
vessel and be buried in the sediment at a maximum depth of two meters. A
common way to do this is by jetting or ploughing. On harder seabeds where
burying is not possible, mechanical protection such as concrete mattresses,
aggregate or equivalent may need to be laid on top of the cables.
The cables are approx. 20 cm in diameter and have a preliminary three-phase AC
voltage of 66 kV. A cable can handle approx. 80 MW, which means that the wind
turbines are grouped in radials out from the substation(s). The total length of the
inter-array cables is determined by the final design of the wind farm, but is
estimated to be no more than approx. 200 km.
Because the inter-array cables connect the wind turbines to the substation, the
location of the inter-array cables depends directly on the location of the wind
turbines and the substation within the farm.
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3.1.4. Substation(s)
One large or two small offshore substations will be installed for the wind farm and
will serve as a hub between the inter-array cables and the export cable. The
design and location of this will be determined in the detailed design of the wind
farm, based on the seabed conditions and optimal cable routing. Alternative
locations for substations are currently being investigated along the eastern side of
the wind farm.
Substations are prefabricated modules. The dimensions may vary from supplier to
supplier, but one example being investigated for one of the substations is a
construction with a length of 170 m, a width of 120 m and a height of 65 m. The
substation(s) will be installed on a base approximately 10 m above the water
surface. The types of foundation in question are the same as for the wind
turbines, but the most likely alternative is a jacket foundation (Figure 6). The
substation will be clearly marked so that it is visible to boats and air traffic in
accordance with applicable regulations.
Figure 7. Example of substation design with jacket foundation.
3.1.5. Dredged material management
Installation of gravity base and/or jacket foundations requires seabed preparation
work that may involve levelling the seabed surface, displacing seabed material or
dredging. In some cases, installation of other foundation types may also involve
seabed prep work that generates a surplus of excavated material. Alternatives for
handling excavated material will be investigated prior to the upcoming EIA for the
wind farm, but the goal is to identify solutions that limit the amount of material
needing handling as much as possible. For this reason, reuse of project materials
will be investigated, e.g. for filling in gravity base foundations or to recreate
natural seabed conditions by backfilling over scour protection.
There may be a surplus of excavated material, especially when selecting gravity
base and/or jacket foundations. Vattenfall plan to dispose a surplus of dredged
material at sea if it has been determined that the material cannot be reused within
the project and if the contamination levels of the material permit dumping. Any
disposal of material will require an exemption from the disposal ban.
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In the process of dredging, dredged material is loaded onto barges or into the
dredger ship and transported to a suitable location for disposal. Suitable sites for
disposal will primarily be sought within or directly adjacent to the dredging site
and within the wind farm area. Another possibility is to utilize existing disposal
sites outside the wind farm area or to investigate new disposal site locations.
3.2. Decommissioning the farm
When the wind farm is decommissioned, it is likely that all structures above the
seabed surface will be dismantled. Usually this is done in reverse order of the
installation process. The components to be dismantled/removed will be
determined at the time of decommissioning. Prior to decommissioning, it will be
assessed whether the environmental impact of deposing certain components (e.g.
components below the seabed surface) would be lower than removing them. The
decommissioning will be environmentally assessed in the forthcoming permit
review based on the solutions currently available on the market. Vattenfall's
previous experience of decommissioning the two offshore wind power projects in
Sweden, Yttre Stengrund and Utgrunden, will also be used to inform the
environmental impact assessment.
3.3. Preliminary schedule
Establishment of the farm is a comprehensive project that will require several
different permits. The permit process is expected to continue until 2024. Detailed
design planning and procurement are estimated to take about four years, so it is
important that the permit reviews can start as soon as possible. The installation
phase is preliminarily planned to begin in 2028 and the wind farm is expected to
be in place by the end of 2030 (Figure 8).
Priliminary scheduele 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2060 2061 2062
Permit process
Procurement and design
Installation phase
Operating phase
Decommissioning
Figure 8. Preliminary, general schedule for Kattegatt Syd project.
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Chapter 4
List of alternative locations
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4. List of alternative locations
4.1. Wind farm
The marine environment is complex and encompasses different competing
interests, which means that there are many different aspects to consider when
choosing a location for offshore wind power. Vattenfall has extensive experience
in offshore wind power in other European countries and has a well-founded
methodology for identifying the most optimal sites for establishment, taking the
environmental and commercial factors into consideration. The proposed location
of Kattegatt Syd wind farm was preceded by a comprehensive site investigation
and selection process to identify suitable areas along the Swedish coast. The aim
of the selection process was to identify a site on which renewable energy can be
generated cost efficiently, taking important environmental aspects into
consideration, and thereby have the potential to deliver cheap, sustainable
electricity to Swedish consumers.
In the first stage of the selection process, about 15 sites along the Swedish coast
were identified as potentially suitable for establishing offshore wind power. These
locations were identified on the basis of a heat map, which was the result of a
spatial GIS model based on physical, technical, environmental and commercial
criteria. These locations were then evaluated in more detail by Vattenfall's
technical team and experienced environmental consultants. The evaluation
included assessments of potential impacts on birds, fish, marine mammals and
protected areas (including Natura 2000 areas and national interests), and of how
well the establishment of a wind farm in these areas relates to the marine spatial
plan and other marine users. The areas identified as having high potential based
on these criteria were then further evaluated on the basis of various technical
parameters such as seabed conditions, wind conditions and water depth. The
result of the selection process showed that Kattegatt Syd was the most promising
site for establishing a wind farm in Swedish waters, having a relatively limited
environmental impact, the possibility of using protective measures to minimise
permanent environmental effects and the possibility of generating cost-effective
electricity. In addition to this, the proximity to Vattenfall's Stora Middelgrund wind
power project also provides great potential for collaborating on data collection,
knowledge sharing, and maintenance during the operational period.
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Chapter 5
Impacts
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5. Impacts
Below are the main identified impacts of installing, operating and
decommissioning the wind farm and its associated infrastructure (Table 3).
Table 3. The most important impacts related to the installation, operation and decommissioning of the wind farm
with associated cables and infrastructure. Parentheses (√) indicate a lesser impact.
Impact Installation phase Operating phase Decommissioning
Wind farm
Noise/underwater noise √ (√) √
√ √
Loss of seabed habitat
Turbidity/sediment √ √
deposition
Collision risk √
Displacement/barrier effect √
Presence of offshore √ √
vessels
Changed and new habitats √
Magnetic fields (cables) √
Changed visual landscape √
5.1. Wind farm
5.1.1. Installation phase
The following impacts will occur during the installation phase: the generation of
underwater noise (above all during pile-driving); turbidity and sediment deposits
during seabed preparation work, foundation installation and cable laying; impacts
on the seabed surface when erecting foundations; and the presence of offshore
vessels and platforms during the course of the work. The table below summarizes
the impact of the different foundations investigated (Table 4). The table is
indicative and may therefore change in relation to specific conditions and
technical solutions.
Table 4. Variations in the degree of impact for different types of foundations.
Foundation type
Impact Monopile Jacket (piling) Jacket (caisson) Gravity base
Pile-driving Yes Yes No No
Turbidity Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dredging/sediment No No Likely Likely
disposal
Foundation size 10–14 m in diameter 30–40 m between 30–40 m between 50–60 m in diameter
piles (diameter of piles caissons (diameter
= 3–4 m) caissons = 14–20 m)
Size of scour 5 x diameter 4 x diameter (piles) x 3.5 x diameter 5 x diameter
protection number of piles (caissons) x number of
caissons
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Underwater noise
The amount of underwater noise generated during the installation of the wind
turbines and offshore substations depends primarily on the choice of foundations.
Underwater noise is primarily related to the installation of foundations by piling,
which means high noise levels as they are driven into the seabed with great force.
The noise level generated depends on the diameter of the pile. The larger the
diameter of the pile, the more force or an increased installation time is required to
drive it down to the seabed and thus, in total, more noise will be produced. The
sound levels generated by pile-driving monopile foundations are particularly high,
as the foundation consists of a single large-diameter pile. Jacket foundations can
also be pile-driven, but the sound levels will be considerably lower as the piles are
smaller in diameter. When installing gravity base foundations or jacket
foundations with caissons, there is no need for pile-driving, thus limiting
underwater noise to that which is generated by offshore vessels and general
installation noise. Underwater noise associated with establishing the various
types of foundations will be modelled in the Environmental Impact Assessment
process.
Turbidity/sediment deposition
Turbidity, dispersal of sediment particles and sediment deposition occur as a
result of installing foundations for wind turbines and offshore substations and
laying cables in the wind farm. Turbidity and sediment deposition can also be
expected in the case of sediment disposal linked to seabed preparation work for
installing gravity base and/or jacket foundations. The extent of the turbidity and
how far the particles spread depends on the seabed substrate and the method
chosen. An effect on a seabed of small-particle sediment, such as clay, will cause
more turbidity and greater particle spread than the same measure on a seabed
consisting of sand or stone, for example. The size of the particles also determines
how long it will take before they fall back to the seabed and thereby the extent
and thickness of subsequent sediment deposits.
Installing any type of foundation causes turbidity to a certain extent. In installing
foundations, the scope of seabed preparation work and the need for pre-drilling in
the case of pile-driving are determining factors. Gravity base foundations are the
type of foundation that requires the most seabed surface preparation and
extensive measures such as dredging and levelling during foundation work, but to
some extent, this also applies to jacket foundations. Monopiles and jacket
foundations with piles are foundations that may require pre-drilling. The turbidity
and sediment deposition associated with the establishment of the various
foundations and laying of cables will be modelled during the Environmental
Impact Assessment process.
Loss of seabed habitat
Wind turbine foundations, substation foundations and scour protection all impact
seabed surface and natural habitats. Different types of foundations (foundation
and scour protection included) cover different proportions of the seabed surface.
In total, gravity base foundations are the type that have the largest footprint on the
seabed (see Table 4). Cable laying in the wind farm makes a temporary impact
on the seabed if the cables are buried, but if it requires mechanical protection of
the cables, the intrusion may be more permanent. (Overlay of natural material
may occur, which will also be temporary.)
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Physical presence of vessels
During the establishment of the wind farm, several offshore vessels and work
platforms of various kinds will be present in the area, which may cause
disturbance in the form of underwater noise and physical presence in the area.
5.1.2. Operational phase
Impacts of the operational phase are primarily the changes made to the physical
environment as a result of the newly installed structures, noise from the wind
turbines, and magnetic fields from the wind farm cables.
Collision risk
The wind turbines are new physical structures, and as such, there is a risk of
collision, not only for ships but also for birds and bats.
Displacement/barrier effect
The physical structures of the wind farm can lead to displacement effects or
barrier effects, i.e. birds or fish, for example, choosing to avoid the area.
Changed and new habitats
Wind turbines, substations and their foundations change the physical environment
both above and below the water surface, which changes habitats and could
potentially create new ones. Though the structures above water level will largely
be the same regardless of the type of foundation, the structures below the water
level are directly linked to the type of foundation and scour protection.
Comparable to the installation phase, gravity base foundations and jacket
foundations with caissons cause the greatest change to the physical environment.
Noise/underwater noise
During operations, the turbines emit low frequency underwater noise, caused by
blade rotation. The operating noise is within the same frequency range as that
from ships. As such, it is assumed that this noise will be largely masked by the
noise from nearby shipping lanes. As the wind farm is located far from the coast,
the operating noise will not be audible from shore.
Electromagnetic fields
An electromagnetic field will be generated around the cables in the inter-array
cables. The force of the magnetic field quickly diminishes the further you get from
the cable. If the cable is buried in sediment, the strength of the magnetic field will
be less at the seabed surface.
Changed visual landscape
Wind turbines are tall structures and can therefore change the visual landscape at
sea as well as from land (Chap. 7).
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5.2. Decommissioning of the project
The impacts of decommissioning the wind farm depend on how it is done, and
which structures are to be decommissioned. The general rule is to remove the
structures unless the environmental damage caused by removing them is
deemed to be greater than the environmental benefit.
It is likely that the structures above the seabed will be decommissioned, which
would involve the presence of a large number of offshore vessels in the area
generating underwater noise while dismantling the various components. However,
considering technology and knowledge change rapidly (and the service life of a
wind farm is about 30 years), it is unclear just how decommissioning will take
place and which parts will ultimately be dismantled. The impact of
decommissioning that will be described in the EIA will be based on what is known
at the time.
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Chapter 6
Ambient conditions
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6. Ambient conditions
6.1. Wind farm
6.1.1. Wind and wave conditions
In the Kattegatt Syd area, westerly and south-westerly winds dominate about 40-
50% of the time. It is also from this direction that the strongest winds have been
measured (Figure 9). The modelled mean wind speed 137 m above mean sea
level (msl) is just below 10 m/s (modelling carried out by Vattenfall).
The wave height in the area is limited by surrounding land masses, which means
that the expected maximum wave height (significant wave height) over a 50-year
period is 5.7 m2.
Figure 9. Wind rose for Kattegatt Syd, modelled for 137 m above the mean sea level.
6.1.2. Hydrodynamic conditions
In the Kattegat Sea there are several permanent currents. The permanent Baltic
current is caused by annual freshwater surplus from the Baltic Sea and generally
flows north as a surface current. This current runs in the opposite direction of the
underlying southbound deep-water current of saltier water (SMHI, 1987). Along
the Danish North Sea coast, the Jutska current, which transports water with a
high salt content (often more than 30 ‰) from the North Sea, into the Kattegat
Sea (SMHI, 2011). The Kattegat Sea therefore consists of two layers, the upper
surface layer consisting of brackish water from the Baltic Sea and the lower one
of sea water from Skagerrak. The Kattegat Sea is also supplied with freshwater
from Danish and Swedish watercourses, mainly from the Göta Älv river. The
2 The wave height is generally stated in terms of significant wave height, which is
the mean wave height of the highest third of the waves. Individual waves can be
considerably higher.
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layers are separated by a strong saltwater layer (halocline) 3 at a depth of approx.
15 m. During spring and summer, a temperature layer is also formed
(thermocline)4.
Current speeds are relatively limited in the Kattegat Sea, although speeds of
more than 1.5 m/s have been measured in inflowing water to the Baltic Sea
during major storms. Currents connected to tidal water are also weak and the
area's tidal difference is limited to approximately 0.5 m.
6.1.3. Water depth
The Kattegat Sea forms part of the transitional area between the North Sea and
the Baltic Sea and is shallow, especially on the Danish side. The average depth is
23 m, but depths down to around 100 m can be found in Swedish waters.
The planned wind farm will be located in the deeper territorial sea areas of the
Kattegat. The wind farm will be located within a depth range of approximately 20–
80 m. The majority of the area is flat, with slightly greater depth variation in the
northern part (Figure 10).
Depth information has been obtained from a relatively low-resolution bathymetric
map but still gives a good indication of the depth conditions in the area of the wind
farm (EMODnet5). See appendix 1A for a more detailed illustration of depths.
Hydrographic surveys are planned for the wind farm area to map the depth
conditions more accurately.
3 transition zone between water mixtures with differing salinity
4 a layer in oceans or lakes where the temperature changes very quickly within a
small range of depth
5 https://portal.emodnet-bathymetry.eu/
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Figure 10. Depth and substrate conditions in the Kattegatt Syd area (data source: EMODnet).
6.1.4. Seabed substrate
In the project, extensive geotechnical, geophysical and sediment surveys are
planned for around the proposed wind farm area to map out seabed conditions.
The survey results will form the basis for project planning, impact assessments
and future permit applications. A summary of the existing information is presented
below.
According to available data, the seabed substrate in the planned wind farm area
consists primarily of fine clay (Figure 10). However, in the shallow, northernmost
parts there are areas of sand, gravel and small stones. For a more detailed
diagram of the seabed substrate, see Appendix 1B.
6.1.5. Natura 2000
Detailed surveys of nearby Natura 2000 sites and marine protected areas will be
included in future Environmental Impact Assessments. For further detailed
descriptions of the marine protected areas, please refer to Chapter 6.1.9.
The planned wind farm is located between two Natura 2000 areas: Lilla
Middelgrund in the north and Stora Middelgrund and Röde bank in the south
(Figure 11). Five other Natura 2000 sites are 7–16 km away from the wind farm
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(Table 5). The export cable corridors under examination border on two Natura
2000 areas: Morup's bank east of the wind farm and Balgö south of Väröbacka.
The marine protected areas in nearby Natura 2000 areas include reefs, cold
seeps, shoals, marine mammals and birds (Table 5). Several of the Natura 2000
areas in the vicinity of the planned operations have been identified as Helcom
MPAs6 and/or OSPAR MPAs.
Figure 11. Protected areas near the wind farm and export cable corridor (data source: Swedish Environmental
Protection Agency's mapping tool Skyddad natur).
6 HELCOM Marine Protected Areas
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Table 5. Natura 2000 areas close to the planned operations.
Shortest
distance Type of
Marine Protected Areas
Natura 2000 area from area
(MPAs)
Kattegatt protection
Syd (km)
1110 Shoals, 1170 Reefs, (1180
Cold Seeps according to
Lilla Middelgrund Habitats &
0 forthcoming conservation plan),
(Sweden) Bird Directives
porpoises, guillemots, razorbills,
black-legged kittiwakes
1110 Shoals, 1170 Reefs, 1180
Stora Middelgrund and Habitats
0 Cold Seeps, porpoises, (razorbills,
Röde bank (Sweden) Directive
guillemots)7
Farvandet nord for Eider, velvet scoter, common
7 Bird Directive
(Denmark) scoter
Anholt og havet nord Habitats 1110 Shoals, 1150 Lagoons, grey
7
for (Denmark) Directive seal, harbour seal,
Store Middelgrund Habitats 1110 Shoals, 1170 Reefs, 1180
9
(Denmark) Directive Cold Seeps, porpoise
Morups bank Habitats
9 1110 Shoals, 1170 Reefs
(Sweden) Directive
Kims top og den
Habitats
kinesiske mur 12 1170 Reefs, 1180 Cold Seeps
Directive
(Denmark)
1110 Shoals, 1170 Reefs,
North-western Skåne Habitats &
13 porpoise, harbour seal, grey seal,
sea area (Sweden) Bird Directives
seabirds
6.1.6. Natural environment
Seabed community
There are plans to thoroughly survey the wind farm area to supplement existing
data, get a detailed picture of the seabed habitat and to define any sensitive sub-
areas. The survey results will form the basis for project planning, impact
assessments and future permit applications. Below is a summary of the existing
information primarily from surveys carried out by the County Administrative Board
in Halland (Halland County Administrative Board 2018a), unless otherwise stated.
Video surveys of the deeper parts of the Kattegat Sea show that the seabed
community in the wind farm area is dominated by the sea-pen and burrowing
megafauna OSPAR habitat. Reef and shoal Natura 2000 habitats, which are
included in the conservation plans for adjacent Natura 2000 sites, are mainly
found in the northern part of the wind farm (Figure 12). According to fishing data
from the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, trawling for Norway
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lobster and other species is carried out in the area, which has resulted in recently
incurred trawling damage in the northern and middle areas.
Figure 12. Nature types and habitats in the wind farm and surrounding area (data source: Halland County Administrative
Board, 2018a & b).
For a more detailed map of the seabed community, see Appendix 1C.
Fish community
A more detailed analysis of the fish community around the wind farm has
commenced and will be presented in future EIAs. Abundance and species
diversity detailed in existing documentation will be presented relative to other
areas of the Kattegat Sea. A short summary of the existing information is
presented below.
The fish community on nearby territorial shoals, and on territorial shoals of the
Kattegat in general, consists of common west coast species such as cod, poor
cod, common sole, dab, goldsinny-wrasse, plaice, greater weever and whiting
(Swedish Environmental Protection Agency 2010). However, the fish fauna on the
territorial shoals is probably not entirely representative of the wind farm area, as
the depth of the water there is greater and the substrate is generally softer and
more homogeneous. According to fishing data from the Swedish Agency for
Marine and Water Management, catches from the wind farm area consist
primarily of herring, Norway lobster, cod, greater weever, plaice and other flatfish.
Previous studies show that cod occasionally spawn off the coast of Falkenberg
(Vitale, et al., 2008).
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The species believed to use the wind farm area as a migration route are primarily
eel, salmon, sea trout and broad-leaved pike. The Viskan river flows all the way
into Klosterfjorden, and SLU’s electrofishing data (2009–2019) shows that both
salmon and eel migrate up into the watercourse to spawn.
Marine mammals
Three species of marine mammals can be found
Porpoises
in the Kattegat Sea: harbour porpoises, harbour An adult porpoise is about
seals and grey seals. Surveys are underway to 1.5-2 m long, with a maximum
discover how relevant the wind farm area is to weight of 90 kg. It is timid and
marine mammals (primarily harbour porpoises) hard to detect. Porpoises
during different parts of the year. With the help communicate and echolocate
of leading experts in the field, analyses of by means of high-frequency
historical data for the Kattegat Sea and passive clicking sounds (115–
acoustic monitoring devices placed in the water 130 kHz). The species is
column, data will be analyzed to supplement the divided into three well-known
existing documentation. Data and detailed populations: the Baltic Sea
knowledge are available from work on the population, the Danish Straits
planned Stora Middelgrund wind farm nearby. population and the North Sea
The presence of marine mammals will also be population. The porpoises that
measured as part of the various aerial surveys are located in the area around
that have been started in the project area. the planned wind farm belong
Overall, the knowledge obtained of marine primarily to the Danish Straits
population.
mammals in and around the planned wind farm
will be very good. A short summary of the existing information is presented below.
Harbour porpoises on the west coast of Sweden are classified as a least-concern
(LC) species and are therefore not on the red list. However, the species is
protected by the EU's Habitats Directive, Annexes 2 and 4, and in accordance
with the Swedish Species Protection Ordinance (2007:845) Sections 4 and 5.
Monitoring data shows that harbour porpoises are present in the southern
Kattegat Sea to a greater extent during the summer (May-August) (Sveegaard, et
al., 2017). Stora Middelgrund Natura 2000 area, south of the wind farm area
(Figure 13) has been identified as important for harbour porpoises, above all
during the reproduction period in the summer, while an area north of Lilla
Middelgrund (between Fladen and Balgö) which overlaps with the export cable
corridor has been identified as important for harbour porpoises during the spring
(Carlström and Carlén 2016). Harbour porpoises are listed in the conservation
plans for both Stora Middelgrund and Röde bank, Lilla Middelgrund and Balgö.
Harbour seals (classified as a least-concern (LC) species in both Sweden and
Denmark) are common in the Kattegat Sea, on both the Swedish and Danish
sides. Studies show that the species moves in the area of the planned wind farm
(Dietz, et al., 2013). The species is listed in the conservation plan for the Balgö
Natura 2000 area.
The population of grey seals in the Kattegat Sea is small, and according to the
available data it is unclear whether and to what extent grey seals are present in
the wind farm area (Hansen, J.W. & Høgslund, S. 2019). Grey seals were extinct
from Swedish and Danish waters in the early 1900s, but the population is now
increasing thanks to inward migration of adult individuals. However, very few cubs
are born per year in the Kattegat Sea (Hansen, J.W. & Høgslund, S. 2019).
Sweden considers grey seals in the Kattegat Sea to belong to the North Sea
population and deems them to be a least-concern (LC) species, while in
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Denmark, the species is deemed to be vulnerable (VU). Like harbour seals, grey
seals are listed in the conservation plan for the Balgö Natura 2000 area.
Figure 13. Important areas for marine mammals and birds near the wind farm and export cable corridor (data source:
Skyddad natur and Carlström and Carlén, 2016). For a more detailed diagram of the bird, fish and porpoise areas, see
Appendix 1D.
Seabirds
Boat-based and aerial surveys of birds have been initiated in the wind farm area,
and aerial mapping of birds (and marine mammals) has been initiated to
investigate which species and densities of birds occur, as well as how they use
the area. Aerial image mapping is a digitised methodology that has been tried and
tested in other European countries, but has not previously been used in Sweden.
The method is based on the interpretation of high-resolution digital aerial images
taken from a relatively high altitude using standardised methods. Among other
things, this inventory method has the advantage that the results can be followed
up at a later date as the photo documentation remains. The purpose of including
the methodology is to increase the quality of inventory data, and to investigate
whether the methodology can replace traditional aerial and boat-based surveys in
the long term, in dialogue with the County Administrative Board. The results will
form the basis for project planning, impact assessments and future permit
applications. The existing information about the occurrence of seabirds in the
surveyed area is summarised below.
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Stora Middelgrund has not been identified as a Natura 2000 area under the Bird
Directive, but auks (razorbills and guillemots) are included in the Natura 2000
area's conservation plan. Thanks to the inventories and surveys carried out within
the adjoining trial project at Stora Middelgrund, Vattenfall have acquired good
knowledge of the auks in the area. Additional bird inventories are now also
underway in the area around Kattegatt Syd's planned wind farm area.
The inventories carried out by Vattenfall between 2018 and 2020 show that auks
are at their greatest concentration on the outskirts of Stora Middelgrund during
the winter. At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that Stora Middelgrund
and nearby Röde bank are not considered to constitute areas of international
significance for seabirds in the Kattegat Sea in the inventories that have been
carried out (Durinck 1994). Kattegatt Syd's planned wind farm area constitutes a
small part of a larger winter area for the auks, which is primarily concentrated to
the deeper parts of the northern Kattegat Sea.
Bats
The planned wind farm is located far out at
Bats
sea, where it can be assumed that Surveys have found almost all of
considerably fewer bats would be present Sweden's bat species to be
than closer to the coast. Prior to the permit present in Halland County
application for the installation of a wind farm (Halland County Administrative
Board 2016). Bats can be found
on the Fladen territorial shoal, common
over water when hunting insects
noctules and grey long-eared bats were and migrating (Swedish Energy
primarily believed to potentially have Agency 2006) and may use
migration routes (Environmental Protection offshore wind turbines as a
Consultant Gerell 2002). According to experts resting place during insect
hunting. Most bats migrate, but
in the Stora Middelgrund wind power project,
only a few migrate longer
headlands pointing in the south-westerly distances and over the sea.
direction can serve to guide bats and thus During migration, bats usually
make them leave the coast. No such follow the coast.
significant headlands pointing toward Stora
Middelgrund were identified along the
coastline and investigations for the Kattegatt Offshore project showed that
movements only take place along the coast. The likelihood of bats migrating from
the Danish side over the Kattegat Sea has also been investigated in conjunction
with work on the planned Stora Middelgrund wind farm nearby.
Cultural heritage
Extensive seabed surveys are planned in this wind farm. The surveys will provide
comprehensive high-resolution images of the seabed. The images will be
analysed by marine archaeologists to discover cultural historical remains such as
wrecks.
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Figure 14. Areas of historical interest near the wind farm and export cable corridor (data source: The Swedish National
Heritage Board's database).
There are no recorded cultural/historical remains in the wind farm area according
to existing documentation. A detailed analysis of the existing knowledge of
remains, together with the supplementary knowledge from planned seabed
surveys, will form the basis for project planning, impact assessments and future
permit applications.
6.1.7. Recreation and outdoor activity
Tourism is an important industry in Halland County, primarily during the summer
months. The sea area for the planned wind farm provides the conditions for
outdoor activities such as boating, sport fishing and seal safaris.
6.1.8. Business and infrastructure
Both east and west of the wind farm there are well-trafficked shipping lanes for
commercial traffic. As of 1 July 2020, a new traffic separation scheme and a new
vessel route, known as the S-Route, were introduced closer to the Swedish coast
for traffic between Skagen and Öresund. The new scheme was introduced to
create greater safety and to relieve the existing, heavily trafficked T-Route. The
cable corridor will pass south ofthe new traffic separation scheme (TSS) on the S-
Route (Figure 15).
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Around Halmstad Airport there is an MSA (Minimum Sector Altitude) area that
extends over the southern parts of the wind farm. The MSA area has a radius of
55 km. Within this area, aircraft shall maintain a safety margin of 300 m from the
highest object. An obstruction evaluation must be done in an MSA area when
constructing buildings or other objects that are taller than 20 m. A fibre-optic
telecom cable called Kattegatt 28 extends between Sweden and Denmark. The
cable became operational in 2001 and is owned by the Danish
telecommunications company TDS. No known military areas are affected by the
project.
Figure 15. Transport and other infrastructure in the Kattegat Sea (data source: Swedish Transport
Administration and EMODnet).
6.1.9. Fishing
As part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process and prior to submission
of the permit application, an in-depth study is planned on how the area is used for
commercial fishing.
Commercial fishing takes place both within the planned wind farm area and in
nearby areas. According to catch data from the Swedish Agency for Marine and
Water Management, trawl fishing for herring/Baltic herring, Norway lobster, cod,
greater weever, plaice and other flatfish is primarily carried out in the area. In
8 http://www.fiberatlantic.com/system/XD5Em
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particular, trawl fishing of Norway lobster is important in the wind farm area
(Figure 16 and Appendix 1H).
The planned wind farm is partly within a buffer zone (for fish-free areas) where
fishing is regulated during cod spawning periods.
Figure 16. The maps show the average catch of Norway lobster and cod in 2015–2019.
6.1.10. Pollution and environmentally hazardous areas
In a particular area of the wind farm there is a risk of unexploded ordnance
(UXO). The environmentally hazardous Altnes wreck is also located in the centre
of the wind farm. The ship sank in 1998 and is believed to contain heavy fuel oil
and petroleum coke, a substance used in aluminium production (Swedish
Maritime Administration 2011). The planned seabed surveys are intended to
identify any UXO and other environmentally hazardous objects in the area.
6.1.11. Marine spatial planning
The planned wind farm is located in the South West Sea, which makes up most of
the Kattegat Sea (Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management 2019).
Proposed marine spatial plans include most of the territorial sea and the Swedish
economic zone as a whole (Figure 17). In the South West Sea's marine spatial
plan, the area of the wind farm is described as having good conditions for wind
power due to high wind speeds, suitable shoal depths and a well-developed
transmission grid on land.
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The wind farm area overlaps an area designated for commercial fishing (Figure
17). The proposal for the marine spatial plan also states that, for energy
expansion in general, special consideration should be given to the cumulative
impact on the interests of total defence when a number of wind farms are to be
installed. In the establishment of wind power, consideration should also be taken
to the value of the natural artefacts present and to the local commercial fisheries,
to enable coexistence. The shoals with the highest natural value should be kept
clear of energy extraction (Fladen and Lilla Middelgrund).
Figure 17. Marine spatial planning in the South West sea area (data source: The Swedish Agency for Marine
and Water Management).
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Chapter 7
Potential environmental
impact
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7. Potential environmental impact
In the forthcoming EIA, the environmental impact to be described will be based on
the results of investigations and modelling related to various influencing factors.
Below is a preliminary assessment of the possible impact of the project on
relevant environmental aspects.
7.1. Wind farm
7.1.1. Hydrodynamic conditions
Establishing structures in the aquatic environment can potentially affect the
hydrodynamic conditions (waves, currents and mixing in the water column). Areas
where hydrodynamic conditions are most likely to be affected are in narrow
passages such as narrow channels (Hammar et al., 2008). Modelling from
Skottarevet and Lillgrund shows that the impact on hydrodynamic conditions is
extremely small when installing wind farms (Hammar et al., 2008). Modelling
carried out prior to the construction of the Öresund Bridge also showed a very
small impact.
Hydrodynamic modelling will be carried out for Kattegatt Syd. The results of the
modelling will be reported in the forthcoming EIA and form the basis for assessing
the impact on hydrodynamic conditions.
7.1.2. Natura 2000
The potential impact risk on nearby Natura 2000 areas during the installation
phase is primarily believed to be the impact of turbidity on Natura 2000 habitats,
as well as the impact of underwater noise on marine protected areas, primarily
harbour porpoises. In addition, there is a possible impact on marine protected
areas in terms of bird displacement during the operating phase. In the
forthcoming EIA, assessments of the consequences of marine protected areas
and habitats in Natura 2000 areas will be based on the surveys and studies
planned (including turbidity modelling and underwater noise impact
assessments). A preliminary assessment is shown below.
The risk of negative impact from turbidity due to wind farm activities on habitats in
nearby Natura 2000 areas is preliminarily believed to be limited, as the installation
areas are relatively small in relation to the distance to the surrounding Natura
2000 areas. Mitigation and the need for safety distances to Natura 2000 sites for
turbid operations will be investigated to ensure that habitats and marine protected
areas are not adversely affected.
Harbour porpoises are listed in the conservation plans for both Stora Middelgrund
and Röde bank, as well as Lilla Middelgrund. The relevant impact factor for the
species is the same as for the wind farm itself, i.e. underwater noise. Careful
modelling will be used to assess the effects on harbour porpoises in Natura 2000
areas. See further assessments of the impact on harbour porpoises in Chapter
7.1.4.
There is a certain risk that the species of seabirds included in the conservation
plans for nearby Natura 2000 areas are displaced. Extensive inventories of the
presence of seabirds in the wind farm area have been initiated, see also Chapter
7.1.4. Together with data from previous inventories carried out in the Stora
Middelgrund wind power project, the results of these studies will form the basis for
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assessing the impact on and need for mitigation measures for seabirds in the
coming Natura 2000 assessment.
7.1.3. Other protected areas
No negative impact is expected to arise in other protected areas.
7.1.4. Natural environment
Seabed community
The two factors that are deemed to have the greatest impact potential on the
seabed community when establishing the wind farm are loss/creation of habitats
and turbidity/sediment deposition. The loss/creation of habitats will occur during
the installation phase. The effects are small geographically, but will have a long-
term effect during the operating phase (Wilhelmsson, et al., 2010). Turbidity
occurs primarily during the installation phase when installation foundations or
laying cables and during any disposal of dredged material arising during
preparatory work, mainly for gravity base foundations (see Chap. 3.1.5). The
specific conditions for Kattegatt Syd will be investigated ahead of the upcoming
EIA with an analysis of the impact and consequences for the seabed community
in relation to the degree of sedimentation/turbidity and loss/creations of habitats.
The majority of the seabed in the wind farm consists of the sea-pen and
burrowing megafauna habitats (Halland County Administrative Board 2018a),
which is sensitive to bottom trawling and sediment cover.
To establish wind turbine foundations, hard surfaces need to be laid in the wind
farm area, which currently consists mainly of soft seabed. These new hard
surfaces primarily cause local changes around the foundations, and the impact on
soft seabed animals has in many cases proved to be minor, despite establishing
new hard substrates (CMACS 2008). Over time, the artificial reef effect can result
in a greater number and increased biomass of sessile species and plants in the
area, which can lead to changed (increased) food availability for more mobile
species such as fish and birds (Bergström, et al., 2012).
The establishment of hard structures at sea can potentially act as a way of
proliferating alien species living on hard seabeds. Alien benthic organisms have
been found in inspection programs for wind farms in areas such as Belgium
(Kerckhof, et al., 2012). The risk of introducing alien species will be highlighted in
the upcoming EIA.
Fish community
The three factors that are deemed to have the greatest impact potential on the
fish community when establishing the wind farm are underwater noise,
loss/creation of habitats and turbidity. Both underwater noise and turbidity are
temporary, while the loss/creation of habitats in the wind farm area and
subsequent artificial reef effect have a longer duration. The artificial reef effect
means that the installation of structures in marine environments creates new
habitats with potential positive abundance and biodiversity consequences.
However, it is not entirely clear whether the artificial reef effect actually increases
or only redistributes the biomass of fish within an area (Bergström, Lagenfelt, et
al., 2013). The artificial reef effect’s impact on and consequences for the fish
community will be investigated in more detail in the upcoming EIA.
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Fish, fish eggs and larvae can be adversely affected by high levels of underwater
noise, especially when pile-driving foundations (Anderson M.H. et al., 2016).
Different fish species vary in sensitivity to underwater noise depending on
whether or not they have a swim bladder, and on the appearance of the swim
bladder. In the operational stage, the sound levels are lower but continuous. The
impact on fish communities of underwater noise in both the installation and
operating stages as well as potential protective measures will be investigated in
more detail in the upcoming EIA.
Adverse effects such as reduced hatching and lower survival rates can affect fish,
and in particular fish eggs and larvae. The impact of turbidity on fish, fish eggs
and larvae will be investigated in more detail through turbidity modelling in the
upcoming EIA.
The primary species believed to have migration routes through the farm area are
eel, salmon, sea trout and garfish. Relatively little is known of the effects of
electromagnetic fields on fish. However, eels have been identified as being one of
the more sensitive species. The impact on migratory fish will be further
investigated and assessments based on current knowledge will be included in the
upcoming EIA.
Marine mammals
The impact factor determined to be of greatest significance for marine mammals
is underwater noise in the installation phase, especially when pile-driving
foundations. The area of the wind farm is already heavily affected by ship noise,
as it lies in the middle of two well-trafficked shipping lanes, which means that the
significance of the impact of increased sea traffic in the area is preliminary
deemed to be minor. Noise levels in the operational phase will be lower, but
continuous, throughout the service life of the wind farm. Studies from existing
farms show that marine mammals generally avoid the wind farm area in the
installation phase, but in most cases return once it is in operation (Tougaard, J., &
Michaelsen, M. 2018).
In the EIA work, more detailed investigations will be made of various types of
damage or disruption (temporary/permanent) that can arise for marine mammals
from underwater noise as well as which, if any, limit values for underwater noise
should be applied. An investigation of the propagation of underwater noise and
the anticipated maximum noise levels will form the basis for assessing the
general impact of the planned wind farm, and specifically for the surrounding
Natura 2000 areas. The investigation will also highlight whether the choice of
wind farm layout (see Chapter 3.1.1) is of significance for impact severity. To
reduce the risk of marine mammals being in the vicinity during pile-driving,
operations will be started gradually, and seal deterrents will be used. Within the
framework of the Environmental Impact Assessment, existing monitoring data and
data from passive acoustic monitoring devices within Kattegatt Syd and nearby
Stora Middelgrund will elucidate the presence of marine mammals in the wind
farm area and nearby areas.
Based on the results of these investigations, the need for noise-reducing
measures will be further analysed and potential measures proposed to ensure
that the risk of significant impact on individuals and populations is avoided. The
impact of underwater noise in the installation phase can be reduced through
technology and noise-reducing measures (e.g. air bubble curtains, insulation
pipes).
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Seabirds
The impact factors that are generally highlighted for birds are collision,
displacement and barrier effects (Rydell, et al., 2011). Studies from existing
offshore wind farms show that birds usually avoid the wind farm in the installation
phase, while in many cases the effect during the operational phase depends on
the species. Migrating birds generally bypass wind farms, which contributes to an
increased flight distance but also a reduced risk of collision. For the majority of
species, the collision risk in offshore wind farms is generally considered minor
(Enhus, et al., 2017).
The impact on seabirds from the presence of vessels for installing the wind farm
can be assumed to be minor, partly because installation can generally be
assumed to be limited in time and partly because the area around the wind farm
is close to several busy shipping lanes. There is a certain risk of displacement
and loss of habitat for the species of birds in the area. Aerial and boat-based
surveys of birds have been started in the wind farm area. Together with
information from surveys at Stora Middelgrund, the results of these will form the
basis for assessing the impact on birds in the forthcoming EIA and permit
applications. Based on this, the need for any mitigation measures will be reviewed
to ensure that local populations of protected species are not adversely affected.
The forthcoming EIA will also highlight whether the choice of wind farm layout
(see Chapter 3.1.1) is of significance for the degree of impact.
Bats
The potential impact on bats will be assessed by experts in this area. The
assessments will include an analysis of the likelihood of routes passing through
the area.
Prior to the permit application for the installation of a wind farm on the Fladen
territorial shoal, it was assessed that the risk of impact on bat populations was
very small.
7.1.5. Cultural heritage
The planned seabed surveys are intended to serve as a basis for a marine
archaeological investigation. The interpretation of data from the seabed surveys
and identification of any marine archaeological objects will be carried out by
marine archaeology experts. The presence of potential remains, such as wrecks,
will be compiled in a report submitted to the County Administrative Board in a
voluntary stage 1 site investigation. Planned activities will then be adapted to
possible further investigations (stage 2 site investigation, preliminary
archaeological investigation) to ensure that there is no unauthorized impact on
cultural historical remains as a result of the project. If previously unknown marine
archaeological objects are identified in the area, these will be avoided to the
greatest degree possible when establishing the wind farm.
7.1.6. Recreation and outdoor activity
Some impact on recreation and outdoor activity can be expected in the installation
phase as a result of the presence of offshore vessels and any work platforms in
the work area that may temporarily disrupt activities such as recreational fishing
and sailing in the area.
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7.1.7. Business and infrastructure
Offshore vessels will need to cross at least one of the heavily trafficked shipping
lanes surrounding the farm, which means that a certain impact on shipping can be
expected. When establishing the wind farm, special consideration will be given to
ship traffic in routes S and T. Risk analyses of the impact on shipping traffic in
surrounding shipping lanes resulting from the planned wind farm will be attached
to the future applications. In the EIA, an impact assessment will also be carried
out regarding increased sea traffic due to the establishment of Kattegatt Syd.
During the establishment phase, seafarers will continuously receive marine traffic
notifications of work in progress.
A degree of impact on aviation cannot be excluded as the wind farm is situated on
the outskirts of the MSA area for Halmstad Airport. An obstruction evaluation will
be carried out prior to submitting permit documents. The results of the obstruction
evaluation will be described in future EIA's and any adverse effects on air traffic
will be assessed accordingly.
7.1.8. Fishing
The impact on fishing is primarily related to the wind farm. The area will be open
to ship traffic, including fishing vessels, during the operating phase, but certain
fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, may need to be adapted to the new
conditions of the farm. Fishing using other methods, such as cage fishing,
longlining and pelagic trawling, is likely to continue as usual, as in most existing
wind farms in Europe. Large parts of the wind farm are located in an area where
trawling is already regulated during parts of the year.
Offshore wind farms can also have a positive impact on fishing. Studies have
shown generally high fish species diversity and abundance around artificial
structures in the sea, though the reason for this is unclear (Hammar et al., 2008).
The conditions for fishing and any impact on it in the area of the planned wind
farm will be further investigated in the upcoming EIA.
7.1.9. Pollution and environmentally hazardous areas
In turbid operations, such as cable laying and seabed preparation work for
installing wind turbine foundations, there is a risk of local dispersion of pollutants.
The planned sediment surveys aim to investigate the presence of contaminated
sediment in the investigation area and, where applicable, the risk of their
spreading to the water column.
The planned seabed surveys include identifying areas with potentially unexploded
ordnance (UXO). Such areas will be avoided as far as possible during wind farm
establishment, and close discussions will take place with the Armed Forces to
ideally mitigate risks. The environmentally hazardous wreck in the middle of the
wind farm area will also be avoided as far as possible during establishment. It will
be possible to use planned sediment surveys to clarify whether the
environmentally hazardous substances present in the wreck have spread to the
surrounding sediment.
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7.2. Climate impact
The wind farm and its associated facilities may have a short-term negative impact
on the climate during the installation phase due to greenhouse gas emissions
associated with material production, transport and work equipment. During the
operational phase, the wind farm will have a positive climate impact and
contribute to achieving Sweden's energy and climate targets. According to the
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, a wind turbine produces between 20
and 100 times more energy than the input required for installation (Swedish
Environmental Protection Agency 2020). Large turbines are more efficient from
this perspective due to higher installed capacity. Kattegatt Syd's estimated annual
generation will amount to 4.7 TWh, which corresponds to the annual supply of
domestic electricity for up to 780,000 households. The estimated output amounts
to approx. 2.5-3% of Sweden's total electricity generation. The project is therefore
an important part of Sweden’s and Europe's process of transitioning to renewable
energy sources. The wind farm is expected to have a significant impact on
Sweden's ability to achieve 100 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2040.
7.3. Transboundary impact
The wind farm’s potential transboundary impact is primarily related to Natura
2000 sites, mobile species such as marine mammals and birds, and benthic
species at the wind farm's border with Denmark, commercial fishing, shipping and
the visual landscape.
7.3.1. Natura 2000
Protected areas outside Sweden's border that may be affected are primarily the
Danish Natura 2000 areas Anholt og havet nord for and Farvandet nord for Anholt
(overlapping each other, approx. 7 km from the wind farm), and the Danish Store
Middelgrund (approx. 9 km from the wind farm), all of which have marine
mammals and/or birds listed in the conservation plan. Marine protected areas,
such as marine mammals, in adjacent Danish Natura 2000 areas can potentially
be adversely affected by underwater noise during the wind farm's installation
stage. The impact on nearby Natura 2000 areas will be further investigated within
the framework of the EIA, based on the planned underlying data investigations
and modelling (see Chapter 9). Any potential transboundary impact on
connectivity between Natura 2000 areas will also be investigated. Potential
impacts on Natura 2000 sites are further described in Section 7.1.3, Natura 2000.
7.3.2. Natural environment
Potential transboundary impact on the natural environment applies primarily to
mobile species that travel over large sea areas, such as marine mammals,
seabirds and fish, but also to seabed communities directly adjacent to the wind
farm on the Danish side. The possible impact of the wind farm on these species
groups is described in more detail in Chapter 7.1.6 and will be investigated in
more detail in future EIAs. Below is a summary of the transboundary effects
applicable to the different species groups.
Harbour porpoises are protected not only by the Swedish Species Protection
Ordinance and the Habitats Directive, but also by the Agreement on the
Conservation of Small Cetaceans (ASCOBANS9), for the particular reason that
9 https://www.ascobans.org/
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the species moves across the sea areas of several countries. Individual harbour
porpoises on the Danish side may possibly be affected by underwater noise that
stretches over the border during the installation stage. The species moves
seasonally across the Swedish-Danish border, and the impact on individuals in
Sweden can therefore also have an indirect effect on the species in Danish
waters.
According to monitoring data, harbour seals, which are common in the Kattegat
Sea on both the Swedish and Danish sides, move within the planned wind farm
area. The population of grey seals in the Kattegat Sea is small. It is primarily the
Danish population that moves over the Kattegat Sea. Individual seals moving in
the area can potentially be affected by underwater noise and increased boat
traffic in the installation phase.
As a supplement to existing documentation, a survey has been initiated prior to
the permit application to discover how important the wind farm area is to
porpoises and seals during different parts of the year in relation to other parts of
the Kattegat Sea. The distribution of underwater noise in the installation phase
will be modelled. These models will be used to determine the need for noise
mitigation. Based on these results, it will also be possible to draw conclusions on
any transboundary impact on marine mammals in the Kattegat Sea. The
preliminary assessment is that the impact on marine mammals is only relevant in
the installation stage.
The transboundary impact on seabirds consists primarily of possible habitat loss,
barrier effect and impact on migration routes. The Kattegat Sea has areas for
overwintering and food supply for seabirds. These birds move continuously
across the border between Sweden and Denmark. There is a certain risk of
displacement and loss of habitat for the species of birds in the area, which may
possibly affect seabirds on the Danish side. As mentioned earlier, the collision
risk for most species at offshore wind farms is generally considered low.
Boat-based and aerial surveys and aerial mapping of birds in the wind farm area
have begun. Together with existing data from Stora Middelgrund and all other
available scientific information on the distribution of seabirds in the Kattegat Sea,
the results of the surveys will form the basis for assessing the transboundary
impact on seabirds in the forthcoming EIA.
7.3.3. Fishing industry
The project is not expected to have an impact on commercial fishing in catch
areas outside the Swedish economic zone. Nevertheless, any vessels using the
wind farm area for fishing may be impacted by fishing restrictions, including
vessels from the Danish side.
7.3.4. Shipping
No transboundary impact on shipping is expected as a result of installing
Kattegatt Syd. Highly trafficked shipping lanes for international commercial traffic
pass both east and west of the wind farm (see section 6.1.13, Business and
Transport Infrastructure), but the actual area of the wind farm lies outside the
shipping lanes. The Danish T-route (west of the farm) is not expected to be
impacted. However, this will be further investigated in the risk analysis for
shipping done in the EIA. During the installation phase, shipping may be
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negatively impacted in Swedish shipping lanes due to increased boat traffic and
temporary closures in the export cable corridor.
7.3.5. Visual landscape
Kattegatt Syd is about 70 km from the Danish coastline and about 18 km from the
Danish island of Anholt. The wind farm will be visible from both the Swedish coast
and Anholt. Photomontages from a viewpoint on Anholt will be developed to give
an idea of how the landscape may change when the wind farm is in place. Wind
turbines from the Anholt wind farm have already impacted the visual landscape of
the Kattegat Sea.
7.4. Environmental risk and safety
In accordance with Chapter 2, Section 3 of the Environmental Code, anyone who
conducts or intends to conduct an activity must take protective measures,
observe limitations and take other necessary precautions to prevent, impede or
counteract the operation or measure causing damage or inconvenience to human
health or the environment. For the same purpose, professional activities must use
the best possible technology, as far as this is reasonable.
Vattenfall will comply with the OSPAR Convention on the Handling and
Elimination of Chemical Substances in the Marine Environment (OSPAR 1992),
which aims to protect the environment in the Northeast Atlantic. This includes the
North Sea, Skagerrak and parts of the Kattegat Sea. The Convention has been
jointly developed by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Iceland,
Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Germany, the UK,
the Netherlands and the EU.
During the wind farm’s installation phase, there is a risk of emissions of fuel and
lubricating oils as a result of increased transport and risks of collision resulting
from increased sea traffic and land transport and from the presence of work
vehicles and machinery. There are also environmental risks in the operating
phase associated with the grease and oil contained in the turbine's nacelle. In the
event of emissions, leakage or breakdown, these chemicals may end up in the
water and affect marine organisms.
Environmental risks will generally be mitigated by drawing up risk protocols and
environmental plans during the detailed project planning stage and by applying
the rules of conduct and precautions stipulated in the Environmental Code linked
to the best possible technology and the best available technology, and applying
the OSPAR Convention's regulations in its work.
To be included in future applications is an analysis of the risk of ship collision due
to an increase in traffic in the area to and from the wind farm during the
installation phase and ship traffic in surrounding shipping lanes as a result of the
planned wind farm and export cable corridor.
The project will be planned, installed and managed based on Swedish
environmental legislation and with a maximum focus on removing and reducing
work environment risks. Further management of work environment risks will come
in the project's detailed design phase.
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Chapter 8
Cumulative environmental
impact
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8. Cumulative environmental impact
Effects from several sources can interact and contribute to cumulative effects.
Cumulative impacts can arise in a wind farm from different activities in progress at
the same time, or between wind farms on larger geographical and time scales.
Cumulative environmental impact in a wind farm can, for example, be due to an
increased noise level during a period of increased turbidity, which can potentially
have greater environmental consequences for a receptor than if the impact
factors occurred individually. Cumulative effects between offshore wind farms can
arise if several wind farms are installed in the same sea area at the same time,
but also over time. This can result in, e.g., a greater barrier effect, changed
hydrodynamic conditions or changed visual landscape.
Cumulative effects will be analysed from a project perspective. This means that
all of the various parts of the project will be included in an analysis of cumulative
impact.
The preliminary assessment for the Kattegatt Syd project is that the analysis of
cumulative effects is particularly important for assessing consequences to marine
mammals, seabirds, fishing and the visual landscape. Regarding marine
mammals, a decisive factor is the timing of the installation phase related to other
activities. With regard to seabirds, on the other hand, it is assessing whether the
installation of several wind farms in the Kattegat Sea will eventually increase the
degree of environmental impact, such as barrier effect and collision risk (during
operation).
Understanding the spatial distribution of seabirds and marine mammals in the sea
pools in the Kattegat Sea is central for assessing which projects should be
included in the analysis of cumulative environmental impact. The visibility
analyses performed and the study of commercial fishing in the Kattegat Sea will
also form the basis for future assessments of cumulative impact.
In the Kattegat Sea, several offshore wind farms are planned. Those that will
preliminarily be included in the assessments of cumulative effects in the
upcoming EIA for Kattegatt Syd are (Figure 18):
Anholt (existing)
Kattegatt Offshore (permit granted)
Stora Middelgrund (permit granted, ongoing application for change
permit)
Galene (part of the planned Galatea-Galene wind farm)
Hesselö (early planning)
For cumulative effects linked to the visual landscape, the impact analysis will be
limited to Stora Middelgrund and Kattegatt Offshore.
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Figure 18. Existing and planned wind farms in the Kattegat Sea.
An analysis of which of these wind farms should be included in the assessment of
cumulative effects will be made on the basis of the likelihood that these wind
farms will be built prior to the upcoming EIA.
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Chapter 9
Planned investigations
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9. Planned investigations
Extensive investigations are currently underway and further investigations will be
conducted in 2021 prior to the submission of various permit applications. If
necessary, investigations can be expanded or extended to support the
conclusions in the upcoming EIA, which will be submitted in accordance with the
Environmental Code.
The investigations planned/carried out for the wind farm area are:
Seabed surveys
• Geophysical surveys (Side Scan Sonar (SSS), Multibeam Sonar (MBS)).
• Sediment survey (regarding the sediment's particle distribution and
contamination level).
Cultural heritage
• Marine environment (desktop studies and marine archaeological
assessment of data from geophysical surveys).
Natural environment
• Seabed habitat survey (drop-down video survey or equivalent in the wind
farm and export cable corridors).
• Fish (desktop study of the fish community in the wind farm).
• Birds (aerial and boat-based surveys and digital aerial photograph
analysis in the wind farm area and buffer area).
• Marine mammals (placement of passive acoustic monitoring devices in
the wind farm area, evaluation of existing data on the presence of marine
mammals, assessment of impact on marine mammals based on
sensitivity and dispersion of underwater noise).
• Bats (desktop survey).
Other investigations
Some of the following listed investigations, or selected parts of them, may
constitute a direct part of the EIA and will therefore not be attached separately
to the application.
• Hydrodynamic modelling and validation (for impact on hydrodynamic
conditions during wind farm installation).
• Field survey of wave and current conditions by ADCP measurement.
• Turbidity modelling (for turbid work in the wind farm and in the export
cable corridor).
• Noise survey (modelling of propagation of underwater noise in the
establishment of the wind farm - worst case scenario).
• Fishing survey (investigation of the impact the establishment of the wind
farm will have on the fishing industry).
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• Survey of shipping traffic (risk analysis of impact on shipping traffic in
connection with the establishment and operation of the wind farm, and
impact analysis of increased shipping during installation).
• Air traffic (risk analysis regarding impact on air traffic in connection with
establishment and operation of the wind farm).
• Visual landscape analysis (photomontage of visibility of wind farm from
land).
• Natura 2000 survey (potential investigation of the impact of export and
underground cables on nearby Natura 2000 areas).
• Cumulative effects (investigation of cumulative effects related to nearby
wind power projects and other relevant activities). Can also form part of
the EIA.
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Chapter 10
Environmental impact
assessment design proposal
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10. Environmental impact assessment
design proposal
As described above, a number of permits must be obtained for the installation and
operation of the wind farm, and additional permits are necessary for the
implementation of the project as a whole. Before the upcoming permit
applications, one or more Environmental Impact Assessments will be prepared to
meet the requirements for content set out in Chapter 6, Sections 35–37 of the
Environmental Code and Sections 15–19 of the Environmental Impact
Assessment Directive. Each respective Environmental Impact Assessment will
thereby identify, to an appropriate extent, the direct and indirect effects that the
operations in question may have on people and the environment, as well as the
cumulative effects resulting from consequential activities and other activities in the
area.
The intention is, if possible, to produce an overall environmental impact
assessment for the permits required for the installation and operation of the wind
farm, see Table 6.
Table 6. Permits and arrangements for planned EIAs.
Permit EIA
1.Permit to establish the wind farm in Sweden's economic zone in
accordance with Sweden's Exclusive Economic Zone Act
(1992:1140)
Wind farm EIA:
2.Permit in accordance with Chapter 7, Section 28 a of the
Environmental Code for measures that can significantly affect the
Permit applications
environment within a Natura 2000 area
nos. 1-3
3.Permit for laying of inter-array cables in accordance with the
Continental Shelf Act (1966:314)
The consequences of all operations in the project as a whole will be described within the
framework of the cumulative impact assessment.
In summary, the planned EIA for the wind farm will contain the following
information:
• Presentation of applicants and activities;
• Background and conditions for the business;
• The environmental impacts of each activity in all relevant environmental
aspects (see below for a preliminary assessment of relevant
environmental aspects);
• Cumulative effects with relevant close-proximity projects and cumulative
effects for part of Kattegatt Syd operations described in another section of
the EIA;
• The project's environmental impacts on Natura 2000 (primarily related to
the Natura 2000 EIA);
• Environmental impacts of operations on other protected areas;
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• Listing of alternatives (location and choice of technology as well as zero
alternative) and a justification for the selected alternative;
• Reporting of protective measures to prevent, reduce, counteract or
remedy any negative environmental effects;
• Any impact of operations on Good Environmental Status indicators and
environmental goals, and how the project has taken the general rules of
consideration into account;
• Non-technical summary;
• Consultation report;
• Disclosure of the expertise of those who contributed to the development
of the environmental impact assessment;
• List of references.
The relevant environmental factors for the wind farm EIA are deemed to be the
following:
Impact at sea: Hydrodynamic conditions, national interests, protected areas,
natural environment, cultural environment, visual landscape, recreation and
outdoor activity, fishing, other businesses and infrastructure.
Relevant transboundary environmental impacts will be investigated and reported
to the relevant extent in the forthcoming wind farm environmental impact
assessment.
As no significant transboundary environmental impact can be foreseen as a result
of other parts of the project, such as the installation of the export cable, the
transboundary impact will not be specifically described in the environmental
impact assessment for these parts of the project.
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Chapter 11
Figures and tables
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11. Figures and tables
Figures
Figure 1. Vattenfall's offshore wind power project in Northern Europe. ............................. 10
Figure 2. Overview map of the planned Kattegatt Syd wind farm area with alternative
export cable and ground cable corridors. .......................................................................... 11
Figure 3. Schematic of an offshore wind farm, including all its parts. ................................ 17
Figure 4. Two different examples of wind farm layouts. Example 1 illustrates 80 turbines
with a total height of 260 m. Example 2 illustrates 60 turbines with a total height of 350 m
(data source: depth from EMODnet). ................................................................................. 18
Figure 5. The relative size of the wind turbines for each wind farm layout example. ......... 19
Figure 6. The different types of foundations currently applicable in Kattegatt Syd. ........... 20
Figure 7. Example of substation design with jacket foundation. ........................................ 22
Figure 8. Preliminary, general schedule for Kattegatt Syd project. .................................... 23
Figure 9. Wind rose for Kattegatt Syd, modelled for 137 m above the mean sea level. .... 32
Figure 10. Depth and substrate conditions in the Kattegatt Syd area (data source:
EMODnet).......................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 11. Protected areas near the wind farm and export cable corridor (data source:
Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's mapping tool Skyddad natur). ..................... 35
Figure 12. Nature types and habitats in the wind farm and surrounding area (data source:
Halland County Administrative Board, 2018a & b)............................................................. 37
Figure 13. Important areas for marine mammals and birds near the wind farm and export
cable corridor (data source: Skyddad natur and Carlström and Carlén, 2016). For a more
detailed diagram of the bird, fish and porpoise areas, see Appendix 1D. .......................... 39
Figure 14. Areas of historical interest near the wind farm and export cable corridor (data
source: The Swedish National Heritage Board's database). .............................................. 41
Figure 15. Transport and other infrastructure in the Kattegat Sea (data source: Swedish
Transport Administration and EMODnet). .......................................................................... 42
Figure 16. The maps show the average catch of Norway lobster and cod in 2015–2019.. 43
Figure 17. Marine spatial planning in the South West sea area (data source: The Swedish
Agency for Marine and Water Management). .................................................................... 44
Figure 18. Existing and planned wind farms in the Kattegat Sea....................................... 56
Tables
Table 1. Main permits for the installation and operation of Kattegatt Syd. ......................... 14
Table 2. Example of wind farm layout. ............................................................................... 18
Table 3. The most important impacts related to the installation, operation and
decommissioning of the wind farm with associated cables and infrastructure. Parentheses
(√) indicate a lesser impact. ............................................................................................... 27
Table 4. Variations in the degree of impact for different types of foundations. .................. 27
Table 5. Natura 2000 areas close to the planned operations. ........................................... 36
Table 6. Permits and arrangements for planned EIAs. ...................................................... 61
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