Company behind offshore windfarm plans 'confident' solution can be found as MOD submits objection

Ørsted issues statement as concerns raised about impact on radar operations

The company behind plans to develop a windfarm in Manx waters says the representation made by the UK Ministry of Defence, which has objected to the proposals, is a 'normal, technical part of the process'.

Ørsted wants to build 87 turbines 11km east of Maughold, but the Defence Infrastructure Organisation believes the structures would compromise the effective operation of the Primary Surveillance Radar used at BAE Warton Aerodrome.

Read more HERE.

In response, the company says 'potential radar impacts are routinely identified so that mitigation can be properly assessed, and the offshore wind sector has a range of proven solutions that protect both defence capability and renewable energy delivery'.

It claims many offshore projects have experienced similar issues which have been resolved, including the company's other windfarms in the Irish Sea, and it's 'confident' it can find and agree the 'right technical solutions'.

The Council of Ministers accepted the application for examination in August.

Ørsted says this phase is 'specifically designed to test evidence, address stakeholder input and secure any necessary mitigations or conditions before a final decision is made'.

The statement in full:

“A Ministry of Defence representation at this stage is a normal, technical part of the process. Potential radar impacts are routinely identified so that mitigation can be properly assessed, and the offshore wind sector has a range of proven solutions that protect both defence capability and renewable energy delivery. 

Many offshore projects have resolved similar issues, including Ørsted’s own projects in the Irish Sea, and we’re confident that the right technical solutions can be agreed for Mooir Vannin. The Examination phase is specifically designed to test evidence, address stakeholder input and secure any necessary mitigations or conditions before a final decision is made.” - Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind Farm project spokesperson.

Following the formal objection from the MOD, Manx Radio approached the Isle of Man Government for comment.

It issued this statement:

"The public consultation was an important part in the process of examination of the application that has been delivered and was designed to bring out all interested parties who may wish to support the proposals or who have concerns, and for these to be formally lodged.

"The Examining Body, the panel of independent experts appointed to assess the application, will now move to the process of reviewing all the consultation responses as well as the application, which will inform their initial assessment of issues arising.

"As stated before, during this process the Government will not be able to comment on any specific aspect of the proposals whilst the examination process is live, nor comment on any particular comments raised as part of the consultation and examination."