Bradwell wind farm, Essex

Once operational Bradwell Wind Farm will have a total generating capacity of 20.5 megawatts (MW) and produce enough green electricity to meet the average annual demands of up to 12,000 homes.

Site preparation works, which included upgrading the site entrance, preparing the access tracks, excavating the turbine bases and completing foundation preparations were undertaken in early 2012.

Crane pads were constructed adjacent to the turbine foundations to facilitate the lifting of heavy turbine components during turbine erection and to enable a platform from which to conduct future maintenance and repairs. The pads are unpaved, compacted layers of crushed rock. The team also installed electrical cabling linking the turbine foundations to the control building.  

In March 2013 four of the 10 turbines were transported to site and erected over a four week period. Due to the size and length of the turbines (each will stand 121m high) their components including blades, tower sections, hubs and nacelles were transported in sections. To minimise disruption to the local community deliveries were outside peak travel times. The remaining six turbines will be transported to site and erected in late April. The turbines will then undergo commissioning and a series of tests prior to full generation.

An important aspect of the works has been ensuring the protection of local flora and fauna.  Habitat improvements have been carried out across the site to create and enhance the habitats suited to water voles, birds, and other species, providing nesting cover and foraging opportunities.