Cable routes

Connecting the windfarms to the electricity network

How do we choose a cable route?

The route planning and site selection process for the onshore cable corridor route involves the identification of a range of engineering, commercial, environmental, land interest and community related principles and constraints.

These are then used to identify potential onshore cable corridor route options for consideration.

Engineering considerations will include aspects such as technical feasibility and the identification of the shortest and most direct route, wherever practicable.

Examples of environmental constraints will include consideration of designated sites, protected species, landscape and cultural considerations.

Other constraints that will also be considered include the location of existing utilities and other local infrastructure.

During the process we will also be seeking feedback from landowners, local communities and bodies such as local planning authorities, the Environment Agency and Historic England, to help us refine our proposals.

How will energy reach homes and businesses?

Electricity generated from the offshore wind farms is transported to the existing national electrical transmission network – which is usually called the national grid – using export cables.

When they are offshore, these export cables typically run under the seabed wherever possible and once they reach the shore they are usually buried underground.

The point where offshore cables and onshore cables meet is called the landfall point.

Next, there needs to be a connection to the national grid. Above ground infrastructure in the form of onshore substation(s) will be required to allow the energy to feed into the grid.

The power that Morecambe and Morgan will generate will go directly into the national grid; the large ‘pot’ of energy that is then distributed to our homes and businesses across the UK.