NATS Wins EOWDC Radar Mitigation Services Contract

Air traffic services company NATS has signed a contract with Vattenfall to provide radar mitigation services for the 92.4MW European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) off the Aberdeenshire coast.

The mitigation solution will see NATS ‘blanking’ the EOWDC development on its Perwinnes radar and the installation of a Wide Area Multilateration radar system to infill the area and provide contingency coverage for helicopters operating offshore from Aberdeen Airport.

The mitigation allows Vattenfall to proceed with the construction of the 11 MHI Vestas V164-8.0 MW turbines in Aberdeen Bay.

Adam Ezzamel, project director for the EOWDC at Vattenfall, said: “We have worked closely with NATS to help develop the mitigation solution and are very pleased to secure the services of a UK business that has extensive experience and a proven track record in air traffic control and radar services. Joining forces with NATS to provide radar mitigation throughout the life of the project is another key step we have taken to ensure that we are operating the EOWDC safely and responsibly.”

Wind turbines can cause interference to radar, appearing as ‘clutter’ that can potentially hide or be mistaken for aircraft. In these cases, NATS will work with the developer to mitigate the impact using a range of possible techniques that will ensure the ongoing safety of air traffic while allowing the development to continue.

“This is a very important development for Vattenfall, but also for Aberdeen and Scotland in terms of jobs and investment. I’m therefore delighted that NATS has been able to find a solution that will enable the 11 turbines to be built while absolutely protecting the safety of our air traffic operation,” Mark Balsdon, NATS Renewable Account Manager, said.

Vattenfall made the Final Investment Decision for the project earlier in July. The Swedish energy company will invest around EUR 317 million in the construction of the wind farm which is expected to be commissioned in 2018.