Cottingham: Huge electricity substation planned to link wind farm

An electricity substation the size of four football pitches is planned for East Yorkshire.

It would link part of the world's largest offshore wind farm, which is being built more than 70 miles off the Yorkshire Coast, to the national grid.

The 400kV site would be on just over three hectares (7.4 acres) of land at Birkhill Wood north of Cottingham.

Due for completion in 2026, the Dogger Bank wind farm is expected to provide enough power for six million homes.

Planning applications for Birkhill Wood and Creyke Beck are due to be submitted to East Riding of Yorkshire Council later this year.

Plans also include expanding Creyke Beck substation, a nearby site, to connect it to the Hornsea Four offshore wind farm, which is being developed by Orsted.

Locations for potential cable corridors to link Birkhill Wood to other onshore infrastructure will be considered later in the year with local residents consulted.

The project is being developed and built by SSE Renewables in a joint venture with Norway's Equinor and Vårgrønn, with Dogger Bank D marking the fourth phase.

Birkhill Wood was deemed as the most suitable site after seven sites were looked at by the National Grid, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Rob Cussons, the Dogger Bank D project manager, said the team is "working hard to deliver safe and respectful construction both offshore and onshore".

He added they are working with stakeholders to plan and deliver a "sustainable and secure energy system".

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