Shell Flat
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox power station
| name = Cirrus Shell Flat Array
| name_official =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_caption =
| image_alt =
| location_map_size =
| location_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|53|51|0|N|3|10|1|W|region:GB_scale:100000|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_ref =
| country = England
| location = Irish Sea, between Blackpool and Cleveleys
| status = Cancelled
| construction_began =
| commissioned =
| decommissioned =
| cost =
| owner = Cirrus Energy (original developer)
ScottishPower
| operator =
| ps_units_operational = 60
| ps_units_manu_model =
| wind_hub_height =
| wind_rotor_diameter =
| wind_rated_speed =
| wind_farm_type =
| wind_offshore_depth =
| wind_offshore_distance = {{convert|8|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| ps_electrical_capacity = 180 MW
| ps_electrical_cap_fac =
| website =
| extra =
}}
The Shell Flat Sandbank was the site of a proposed Cirrus Shell Flat Array offshore wind farm in Lancashire, England. It is located about {{convert|8|km}} off the coast between Blackpool and Cleveleys. The wind farm project was canceled in 2008.
History
The original application was submitted in 2003. The permission for the site studies was granted on 16 June 2004.
{{cite press release |url=http://www.scottishpower.com/PressReleases_587.htm |title=Scottish Power Given Go Ahead to Develop Windfarm in Irish Sea |publisher=ScottishPower |date=2004-06-16 |accessdate=2010-08-30}}
The new application with changed location was submitted in 2007.
{{cite news
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/6369111.stm
| title = Wind farm planned for Blackpool
| publisher = BBC
| work = BBC News
| date = 2007-02-16
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
The application for planning permission was withdrawn in 2008.
{{cite web |title=Shell Flat CFSA |url=http://www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/pages/shell_flat_cfsa.asp |accessdate=2010-08-30 |publisher=ScottishPower}}
Description
The Cirrus Shell Flat Array would contain 90 turbines rated at 180 MW. A later redesign of the scheme, by ScottishPower, for 284 MW, was withdrawn from the planning process in November 2008.
Developers
The developer, Cirrus Energy, was a consortium made up of CeltPower Ltd (subsidiary of ScottishPower), Elsam A/S (now DONG Energy) and Shell Wind Energy Aegir Ltd. Shell's interest in the project has subsequently been reported sold to the project's partners, ScottishPower and DONG Energy.
{{cite news
| url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article4968838.ece
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090708203451/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article4968838.ece
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 8 July 2009
| title = Shell pulls out of its last UK wind farm project
| newspaper = The Sunday Times
| publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd
| first = Danny | last = Fortson
| date = 2008-10-19
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
However, this was denied by Shell.
{{cite news
| url = http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLJ9099720081019
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130201063156/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLJ9099720081019
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 1 February 2013
| title = Shell denies selling stake in UK wind farm
| work = Reuters
| first = Matthew | last = Scuffham
| date = 2008-10-19
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
Reasons for cancellation
The project was canceled due safety and environmental concerns. The application was withdrawn after the developers failed to reach an agreement with BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence over concerns of an interference with their radar systems and a potential physical obstruction for low flying aircraft.
{{cite news
| title = Shell Flat offshore wind farm scrapped over aviation concerns
| publisher = New Energy Focus
| date = 2008-11-14
}} There were concerns that the wind farm would interfere with BAE Systems test flying at Warton.
{{cite news
| url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/800m-turbine-plans-rejected.4671741.jp
| title = £800m turbine plans rejected
| publisher = Johnston Press Digital Publishing
| newspaper = The Gazette
| first = Tom | last = Halstead
| date = 2008-11-07
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
Also potential risk to shipping was one of concerns.
{{cite news
| url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Warning-call-on-windfarm.3758250.jp
| title = Warning call on windfarm
| publisher = Johnston Press Digital Publishing
| newspaper = The Gazette
| first = Tom | last = Halstead
| date = 2008-02-08
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
Construction of the wind farm was objected by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
{{cite news
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/3527913.stm
| title = Wind farm 'threat to bird life'
| publisher = BBC
| work = BBC News
| date = 2004-03-03
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
A large population of common scoters (sea duck) was found near the site.
{{cite news
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8382216.stm
| title = Move to protect sea bird colonies
| publisher = BBC
| work = BBC News
| date = 2009-11-27
| accessdate = 2010-08-30}}
This cause the relocation of site in 2005 more close to Fleetwood. However, the new site was in addition to BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence also objected by the Blackpool International Airport and local fishermen.
References
{{Reflist|2}}
{{stack|{{Portal|England|Weather|Renewable energy}}}}
Category:Proposed wind farms in England