(Image: MORVEN)
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Plans to connect a huge offshore wind farm capable of powering three million homes a year to the County Durham coast have taken a step forward.
Developers behind the proposed Morven Offshore Wind project have launched a new round of public consultation on plans to bring electricity ashore and connect the wind farm to the National Grid near Seaham.
The consultation, which opened on Tuesday, October 6, marks the latest stage in the project and will help shape a formal planning application expected to be submitted later.
Morven Offshore Wind is proposing to connect its offshore development to the grid at Hawthorn Pit, near Seaham, via underground cables running from a landfall point on the Durham coast.
Residents are now being asked to comment on a preferred offshore cable route, a proposed landfall location and two potential sites for a new substation.
Developers say feedback gathered during two previous consultation exercises has already led to changes and refinements to the plans.
Thomas Hudson, co-project director for Morven Offshore Wind, said: “We have listened carefully to feedback from our first two rounds of consultation, which has helped shape the proposals we are now bringing forward.
“This next round is an opportunity to test these refined plans with the communities that know the area best before we finalise our application.”
A series of public exhibitions will be held across east Durham, giving residents the chance to view the proposals in more detail and speak directly with project representatives.
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Events are scheduled to take place at Hawthorn Community Centre on October 16, Seaham Scout Centre on October 17, Robin Todd Community Centre in South Hetton on November 3 and the Glebe Centre in Murton on November 10. An online webinar will also be held on October 22.
Morven Offshore Wind is being developed through a joint venture between EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG and JERA Nex bp Limited.
If approved, the offshore wind farm could generate enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of around three million UK homes every year, making it one of the UK's most significant renewable energy projects.