CVE4309 – ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 7:

Affordable & Clean Energy

Instructor: Ts. Kishan Gunesegeran

Section: 1CA1

Name: Alan Teo Guo Wei

Student ID: I20019328

 ABSTRACT

This comprehensive technical report examines the London Array offshore wind farm, a
pioneering renewable energy project, and its significant contributions to Sustainable
Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) - Affordable and Clean Energy. The report explores the project's
development, construction, technical specifications, environmental impact, and its role in
advancing sustainable energy solutions in the United Kingdom.
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction 4
2. London Array Project Overview 4
3. Environmental Impact Assessment 6
4. Construction and Commissioning 7
5. Electricity Transmission 8
6. Sustainable Development Goal 7 9
7. Conclusion 10
8. References 10
1. Introduction

Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable,

sustainable, and modern energy for all. The London Array offshore wind farm, positioned off the
Kent coast in the outer Thames Estuary, stands as a testament to the UK's commitment to clean
and affordable energy. This report delves into the technical aspects of the London Array,
highlighting its role in achieving SDG 7.

2. London Array Project Overview

Figure 2.1: The energy transition.

 The London Array, as shown in Figure 2.1, stands as a pioneering offshore wind farm,
representing a significant milestone in the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy
sources. It embodies a remarkable commitment to clean and sustainable energy generation. Key
among its technical achievements are the 175 Siemens 3.6MW wind turbines, collectively
offering a substantial capacity of 630MW.[1] These impressive turbines are strategically
positioned in an organized array, with rows and columns covering an expansive area of 100
square kilometers, situated between 650 meters to 1,200 meters apart. Each towering turbine
reaches an astounding height of 147 meters, with colossal blade diameters spanning 120 meters.
This engineering marvel results in a vast swept area of 11,300 square meters, harnessing the
power of the wind to generate clean energy.[2]

An essential component of the London Array's technical excellence lies in its blade
design. These turbine blades are meticulously crafted using fibreglass-reinforced epoxy,
optimized for capturing wind energy efficiently. Moreover, they are equipped with individual
pitching mechanisms that dynamically adjust their angles. This innovative feature optimizes
power output during the electricity generation process and minimizes stress on the blades when
turbines are shut down for maintenance or during high wind conditions. Notably, these turbines
are designed to initiate electricity generation at remarkably low wind speeds of 3 meters per
second (m/s), reaching their full power output at 13 m/s. Safety considerations are paramount,
and as such, the turbines are programmed to shut down when wind speeds exceed 25 m/s.

Integral to the London Array's success is its robust transmission infrastructure, which
facilitates the seamless flow of electricity from the wind farm to the National Grid transmission
network. This intricate system includes an extensive network of array cables, export cables,
offshore substations, and an onshore substation located at Cleve Hill. These crucial components
work in tandem to ensure the efficient and reliable transport of clean energy, contributing
significantly to the UK's renewable energy capacity and reducing the nation's carbon footprint.
3. Environmental Impact Assessment

Figure 3.1: The location of London Array.

The London Array project underwent a rigorous environmental impact assessment,

addressing concerns related to marine ecosystems and wildlife conservation:

1. Location and Impact Mitigation: The wind farm's location in the Thames Estuary, as
shown in Figure 3.1, was carefully chosen to minimize conflicts with deep water shipping lanes.
Environmental concerns, especially those related to sea birds, led to the refusal of planning
consent for the second phase of the project in 2014.

2. Carbon Emission Reduction: One of the project's key environmental benefits is its
potential to reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 900,000 tons, equivalent to the
emissions produced by approximately 300,000 passenger cars annually. This substantial
reduction aligns with SDG 7's commitment to clean energy.
4. Construction and Commissioning

The construction and commissioning of the London Array wind farm represents an
extraordinary feat of engineering, underscoring the project's remarkable technical achievements.
This ambitious endeavor commenced offshore work in March 2011, marked by the installation of
its inaugural foundation, signaling the project's initiation and setting the stage for what would
become a pioneering renewable energy project. Siemens Wind Power, a renowned industry
leader, played a pivotal role by supplying all 175 turbines, each boasting a 3.6MW capacity.
These turbines, standing as tall as 147 meters with blade diameters of 120 meters, were
meticulously installed on monopile foundations. The foundation work itself was executed
seamlessly through a collaborative effort between Per Aarsleff and Bilfinger Berger
Ingenieurbau GmbH, reflecting the project's commitment to precision and innovation.

Moreover, the wind farm's technical achievements extended to generator installation,

where specialized vessels like the TIV MPI Adventure and the jack-up barge Sea Worker,
managed by MPI and A2SEA, played vital roles in ensuring the turbines' functionality.
Additionally, the project's infrastructure included two offshore substations, essential to its
success, that were not only designed with precision but also fabricated and installed by Future
Energy—a joint venture uniting Fabricom, Iemants, and Geosea. This collaborative expertise
brought the vision of the London Array to life. An extensive array cabling, spanning over 200
kilometers and buried within the seabed, interconnected the turbines with one another and with
the offshore substations. These crucial cables, meticulously manufactured by JDR Cable Systems,
formed the backbone of the wind farm's transmission system. In October 2012, the London
Array realized its mission, with the commencement of electricity production. The dedication and
commitment of the entire team led to the confirmation of all 175 turbines as fully operational by
April 2013, culminating in a formal inauguration ceremony in July 2013. This momentous
occasion marked a significant milestone in the journey toward sustainable and clean energy
generation.
5. Electricity Transmission

Efficient transmission of electricity from the wind farm to the National Grid is facilitated
through an intricate system:

1. High Voltage Export Cables: After voltage transformation to 150kV within offshore
substations, electricity is transported via four high voltage export cables, manufactured by
Nexans, to the onshore substation at Cleve Hill.

2. Onshore Substation: The onshore substation at Cleve Hill plays a pivotal role in
voltage transformation, boosting electricity from 150kV to 400kV to match the overhead pylons'
operating voltage. The substation also houses essential elements such as Static VAR
Compensators (SVCs) and 150kV filters to maintain voltage stability and clean power delivery.

3. National Grid Connection: At Cleve Hill, the wind farm connects to the onshore
transmission system, interfacing with the National Grid. Underground cables run from the
London Array site to the National Grid substation, ensuring the seamless integration of clean
energy into the national grid distribution network.
6. Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7)

The London Array offshore wind farm stands out as an exemplary contributor to
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), focusing on affordable and clean energy solutions.
With a remarkable capacity of 630MW, this wind farm plays a pivotal role in enhancing clean
energy production in the United Kingdom, effectively reducing the nation's reliance on fossil
fuels while significantly mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

By substantially decreasing annual CO2 emissions, the London Array aligns perfectly
with the overarching goal of ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable
energy for all. Beyond its energy output, the London Array project also serves as a beacon of
innovation in the renewable energy sector. It showcases cutting-edge advancements in wind
turbine technology, array cabling, and transmission infrastructure, setting a valuable precedent
for the development of future offshore wind farms worldwide.[3]

Moreover, the project embodies a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, with

stringent measures in place to mitigate its impact on marine ecosystems and protect wildlife
habitats. This dedication to responsible energy generation underscores the wind farm's holistic
contribution to SDG 7, where sustainable energy and environmental stewardship converge.
7. Conclusion

The London Array offshore wind farm stands as a testament to the United Kingdom's
commitment to sustainable and clean energy generation. Through meticulous planning, advanced
technology, and environmental stewardship, this remarkable project has become a beacon of
progress in the renewable energy sector. With its substantial contribution to SDG 7, the London
Array is a symbol of hope, demonstrating how renewable energy can power a sustainable and
cleaner future for all.

8. References

1. "London Array Phase 1 Offshore Wind Farm." 4C Offshore.

https://www.4coffshore.com/windfarms/london-array-phase-1-united-kingdom-uk14.html

2. "London Array Offshore Wind Farm Project Information Memorandum." Ofgem.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/sites/default/files/docs/2010/11/london-array-pim.pdf

3. "London Array Offshore Wind Farm Officially Inaugurated." MarineLink, 4 July 2013.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/inaugurated-offshore356334.aspx