Resource Documents: Environment (259 items)
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The extent of windfarm infrastructures on recognised European blanket bogs
Author: Chico, Guaduneth; et al.
Abstract. Peatland environments are the Earth’s largest terrestrial carbon store and have the potential to act as carbon sinks. However, the development of windfarms on peatlands is affecting their morphology, hydrology, ground-level climate conditions, carbon functions and vegetation, and long-term consequences still need to be assessed. Blanket bogs are a rare type of ombrotrophic peatland that are typical of oceanic areas with high precipitation and low temperatures. Their distribution has been mapped across Europe, where they are mainly located on hill summits where wind energy potential is higher, making them attractive sites for windfarm developments. The promotion of renewable energy is currently a priority given the environmental and economic drive to increase low-carbon energy production. Establishing windfarms on peatland in pursuit of greener energy, therefore, risks compromising and undermining the green-energy transition. Despite this, the extent of windfarm infrastructures on blanket bogs have not yet been reported at the European scale. This research reports the extent of windfarm infrastructures on recognised blanket bogs, with a geographical focus on Europe, where blanket bogs have been mapped systematically. Under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), there are 36 European regions NUTS level 2 with recognised blanket bogs. Of these, 12 have windfarm developments, including 644 wind turbines, 253.4 km of vehicular access tracks and an affected area of 207.6 ha, mainly in Ireland and Scotland where the extent of blanket bogs is also higher. However, despite Spain having under 0.2% of Europe’s recognised blanket bogs area, this was the most affected country. In Scotland, a comparison of the recognised blanket bogs under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) with blanket bogs recorded in national inventories indicates that the extent of windfarm developments was higher, with 1,063 wind turbines and 634.5 km of vehicular access tracks. Our results highlight the extent of windfarm developments on blanket bog habitat, both in areas where peatlands are broadly distributed across the landscape, and also in areas where this recognised habitat is particularly rare. There is a pressing need to assess the long-term impacts of windfarms on peatlands to ensure that efforts to meet energy targets result only in carbon sequestration, and do not jeopardise ecosystem services. Blanket bogs represent a particularly vulnerable habitat, the study of which should be prioritised updating national and international inventories to protect and restore this habitat.
Guaduneth Chico, T. Clewer, N.G. Midgley, P. Gallego‑Anex, E. Whayman, S. Goeckeritz, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Southwell, UK
P. Ramil‑Rego, J. Ferreiro, Instituto de Biodiversidade Agraria E Desenvolvemento Rural (IBADER), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Terra, Lugo, Spain
T. Stanton, Department of Geography and Environment, Loughborough University, UK
Scientific Reports volume 13, Article number: 3919 (2023)
Download original document: “The extent of windfarm infrastructures on recognised European blanket bogs”
Chemical Products Used and Stored
Author: US Wind
The below table provides a preliminary list of chemical products to be used on the Project (if stored volume exceeds United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Reportable Quantities); the volume stored on location; their treatment, discharge, or disposal method and location; and any other necessary permit(s) pertaining to these chemical products. It is not anticipated that any additional permits will be required. The list below is preliminary and will be updated in the Facility Design Report and Facility Installation Report.*
| Chemical Product Used | Use | Volume Stored on Location or Contained in Equipment | Treatment, discharge, or disposal method and location | Manner of delivery to site | Quantity per Transfer and Number of Transfers |
| Synthetic Ester | OSS Transformer Cooling Oil | 159,482 liters (42,131 gallons) per OSS | Removed from transformer to service vessel during routine maintenance Material brought to port for disposal |
Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 2 years, based on conditions, if needed |
| Motor Oil | OSS Emergency Generator | 44 liters (12 gallons) per OTM | Removed from engineand brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Annually, based on conditions, if needed |
| Hydraulic oil | OSS Heavy Lift Crane | 1,267 liters (335 gallons) per OSS | Removed from hydraulic system and brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Annually, based on conditions, if needed |
| Diesel Oil | OSS Emergency Generator | 160,856 liters (42,494 gallons) per OSS | Removed from fuel storage tank brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
As required |
| Water/glycol | OSS Emergency Generator | 114 liters (30 gallons) per OSS | Removed from OSS components brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 2 years |
| Grease | WTG bearings and auxiliary equipment | 355 liters (94 gallons) per WTG | Removed from WTG components brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 2 years |
| Synthetic Ester | WTG Transformer Cooling Fluid | 4,500 liters (1,189 gallons) per WTG | Removed from transformer to service vessel during routine maintenance Material brought to port for disposal |
Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 2 years, based on conditions, if needed |
| Compressor oil | Rotor locking and rotor brake | 83 liters (22 gallons) per WTG | Removed from WTG components brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 4 years, based on conditions, if needed |
| Lubricating oil | WTG Pitch and yaw gear and damper mass system lubricants | 323 liters (85 gallons) per WTG | Removed from WTG components brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 4 years |
| Water Propylene Glycol mix | WTG Coolant | 1,300 liters (343 gallons) per WTG |
Removed from cooling system and brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
Every 2 years |
| Fire suppressant (foam) | WTG | 75 liters (20 gallons) per WTG | Collected and brought to port for appropriate disposal as necessary | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
As needed |
| Fire suppressant IG541 inert gas bottles | WTG | 9 × 5.91 kg | Removed from WTG components brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
As needed |
| Ion exchange resin | WTG | 27.5 liters (7.3 gallons) per WTG | Removed from WTG components brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
As needed |
| SF₆ gas | WTG and OSS Switchgear | n/a | Removed from WTG and OSS components and brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation | As needed |
| Portable fire extinguishers | Foam and CO₂ extinguishers | 9 L Foam and 6 kg CO₂ per extinguisher | Removed from WTG and OSS components and brought to port for disposal | Transferred via installation or service vessel at time of installation Transferred via service vessels during O&M phase |
As needed |
*OSS = offshore substation; WTG = wind turbine generator
Submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
26 February 2022
US Wind Construction and Operations Plan. Volume 1, Appendix H: Chemical Products Used and Stored
Oils, Fuels, and Greases
Author: Kitty Hawk Wind
Table 3.2-12 Preliminary Summary of Oils, Fuels, and Greases for Construction and Operations*
| Chemical Type | Description | Use/Location | Approx. Volume | Frequency of Transfer | Treatment or Disposal |
| Transformer oil (WTG and ESP) | Bio-degradable oil or highly refined mineral oil | Main 220/66 or 220/132 kV Transformers, 220 kV shunt reactors, 66 or 132 kV aux. transformers & 66 or 132 kV grounding reactor | 6,000 L per WTG 466,400 L on ESP |
Not anticipated; only changed if needed | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Lubrication oil (ESP) | Lubricant oil | Crane Emergency generator |
Crane: To be defined during detailed design Emergency generator: 55 L |
Expected every 5-8 years | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| General oil (WTG and ESP) | Different kinds of oil | WTGs: Hydraulics, gear box, yaw gears, transformers, etc. Might also be used for passive damper located in tower ESP: Hydraulic oil for crane |
8,000 L per WTG 3,000 L to be replaced as part of scheduled maintenance 1,320 L on ESP |
Expected every 5-8 years | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Grease (WTG) | Refill of grease for main bearing, yaw bearing, blade bearing | Bearings including yaw bearing and blade bearing | 40 L per WTG | Expected every year | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Diesel fuel (WTG and ESP) | Fuel for the emergency diesel generator (if any) | Diesel storage tank | 3,000 L per WTG 21,560 L on ESP |
Only as required | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Fire extinguishing agents (WTG and ESP) | Inert gas extinguishing system (e.g., NOVEC, nitrogen, or similar) | Various rooms | To be defined during detailed design | Not anticipated; only changed if needed | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Fire extinguishing agents (WTG and ESP) | Manual extinguishers: powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), foam | Various locations | WTG: To be defined during detailed design 11,000 L foam on ESP |
Depends on fabrication | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Fire extinguishing agents (WTG and ESP) | Other types (if any) | Various locations | To be defined during detailed design | Not anticipated; only changed if needed | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Dielectric gas (electrical insulating gas) (WTG and ESP) | Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) | WTG: GIS switch gears ESP: GIS switch gears Onshore substation |
Approx. 18 kilograms per WTG 2,320 kilograms on ESP |
Not replaced | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Paint & coating (WTG and ESP) | Corrosion protection of steel structure paints & varnishes | Steel structure, various locations | To be defined during detailed design | Only for repairs | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Coolants or refrigerants (WTG and ESP) | Water, glycol, other refrigerants | Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning unit, Air Handling Unit | 1,600 L per WTG Approx. 700 L to be replaced as part of scheduled maintenance 176 L on ESPs |
Expected every 5-8 years | To be brought to designated O&M port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
| Grout (WTG and ESP) | Grout | Grout for connection between monopile and transition piece | Up to 40,000 L per WTG and ESP position | Not anticipated; only changed if needed | To be brought back to port and disposed according to regulations and guidelines |
*ESP = electrical service platform; WTG = wind turbine generator
Submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
September 30, 2022
Download original document: “Kitty Hawk Wind: Construction and Operations Plan. Chapter 3: Description of Proposed Activity”
Oils, Fuels, Gases and Lubricants
Author: Sunrise Wind
Table 3.3.1-2. Summary of Maximum Potential Volumes, Oils, Fuels, Gas and Lubricants for the Onshore Converter Station
| Onshore Converter Station Equipment/System | Oil/Fuel/Gas Type | Total Oil/Fuel/Gas Volume |
| (2) High-Voltage Shunt Reactor (fixed) | Mineral Oil Dielectric Fluid | 26,640 gallons (gal) (100,844 liters [L]) |
| (2) High-Voltage Shunt Reactor (variable) | Mineral Oil Dielectric Fluid | 37,000 gal (140,060 L) |
| (4) 345/275-kV Grid Transformers | Mineral Oil Dielectric Fluid | 37,693 gal (107,014 L) |
| Gas-Insulated Switchgear Bay | Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) | 3,500 lbs |
Table 3.3.6-2. Summary of Maximum Potential Volumes Oils, Fuels, Gases and Lubricants for Offshore Converter Station
| Equipment | Oil/Fuel/Gas Type | Oil/Fuel/Gas Volume |
| Transformers and Reactors | Transformer Oil | 105,700 gal (400,000 L) |
| Generator fuel tank | Diesel Fuel | 24,304 gal (92,000 L) |
| Medium and High-Voltage Gas-Insulated Switchgears | Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) | 3,960 lbs (1,796 kg) |
| Crane | Hydraulic Oil | 528 gal (2,000 L) |
| Crane* | Grease | TBD |
| Rotating Equipment* | Lube Oil | TBD |
| Auxiliary Diesel Generator | Lube Oil | 53 gal (200 L) |
| Seawater Lift Pumps | Lube Oil | 119 gal (450 L) |
| Auxiliary Inert Gas System | High-Pressure Nitrogen | 52,834 gal (200,000 L), at 300 bar |
| Auxiliary Diesel Generator Fire Suppression System* | Inert Gas | TBD |
| Auxiliary Transformers | Synthetic Ester Oil | 3,170 gal (12,000 L) |
| Chiller units | Refrigerant HFO1234ze(E) | 40 gal (150 L) |
| Compressed Air Foam System* | Foam Concentrate | TBD |
| Uninterruptible Power Supply Battery* | Battery Acid | TBD |
| Cooling Medium System | Glycol/Water Mix | 7,925 gal (30,000 L) |
| Chilled Water Medium System | Glycol/Water Mix | 5,283 gal (20,000 L) |
Table 3.3.8-2. Summary of Maximum Potential Volumes Oils, Fuels, Gases and Lubricants per wind turbine generator
| System/Component | Oil/Fuel/Gas Type | Oil/Fuel/Gas Volume |
| WTG Bearings and Yaw Pinions | Grease* | 132 gal (500 L) |
| Hydraulic Pumping Unit, Hydraulic Pitch Actuators, Hydraulic Pitch Accumulators | Hydraulic Oil | 159 gal (600 L) |
| Yaw Drives Gearbox | Gear Oil | 79 gal (300 L) |
| Blades and Generator Accumulators | Nitrogen | 104 cubic yd (80 m³) |
| High-Voltage Transformer | Transformer Silicon/Ester Oil | 1,850 gal (7,000 L) |
| Emergency Generator† | Diesel Fuel | 793 gal (3,000 L) |
| Tower Damper and Cooling System | Glycol/Coolants | 3,434 gal (13,000 L) |
*Approximately 26 gal to 40 gal (100 L to 150 L) per large bearing.
†Emergency generator is not housed on the WTG but would be brought to the WTG during commissioning or in an emergency power outage.
Submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
August 19, 2022
Download original document: “Sunrise Wind Farm Project: Construction and Operations Plan”
