Press Release

REVIEW ON POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF OFFSHORE WINDFARM SUBSEA CABLES PUBLISHED

18 October 2005

A new review published today by COWRIE (Collaborative Offshore Wind Research in to the Environment) provides the most up to date analysis of the potential effects of electromagnetic fields generated by subsea power cables associated with offshore windfarm development.

   Phase 1.5 Final Report PDF (15.7 MB)

The review carried out by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies Ltd (CMACS) and the Institute of Water and Environment, Cranfield University draws upon a range of information sources including published literature, interviews with developers and recent monitoring studies at UK offshore windfarms.

Dr Andy Gill who led the study said: “There is a limited amount of information available on the sensitivity of electro and magneto sensitive species but this comprehensive review has provided the basis for a set of specific recommendations for further work.”

Dr Carolyn Heeps, a Director of COWRIE Ltd commented: “COWRIE commissioned this work because it was clear that the issue of electromagnetic effects on sensitive species has not been addressed in a consistent manner, even down to the confusion about the use of the term electromagnetic field and its acronym EMF. The work by CMACS builds upon earlier work completed for COWRIE and provides clarity and recommendations for in situ studies.”

Studies to date show that there are many EM sensitive fish species in UK water but little is known whether the interaction between fish and sources of EM emissions introduced by human activity such as the subsea power cables associated with offshore windfarm projects. The review provides a comprehensive list of species of electrically and magnetically sensitive species found in UK waters and lists species that are likely to interact with offshore windfarm generated EMFs.

“The offshore wind industry takes environmental issues very seriously and is assisting the COWRIE research by providing valuable information and data from the first round of development projects. Developers require more information in order to manage or mitigate any potential impact so this report has been important to further our current knowledge, provide COWRIE with a clear set of further research studies as well as reviewing existing survey methods, suggesting monitoring requirements and providing developers with broad guidance on suitable monitoring techniques,” concluded Dr Heeps.