Kiri

RWE Renewables Sweden AB

Södra Victoria Wind Farm

Consultation document

Gothenburg, 1 July 2022

Ramboll Sweden AB

Box 5343, Vädursgatan 6

SE-402 27 Gothenburg

Tel. +46 (0)10 615 60 00

Södra Victoria Wind Farm Consultation document

Date 1 July 2022

Assignment number 1320059706-002

Issue/Status Final

Lina Sultan Kajsa Palmqvist, Karin Skantze

Claire Hébert,

Oliver Ottvall,

Sofia Elg

Assignment manager Administrator Reviewer

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Contents

1. Introduction ...........................................................................................1

1.1 Administrative details ................................................................................. 1

1.2 Background .............................................................................................. 1

1.3 Consultation document and consultation process ............................................ 2

2. Legislation and permit processes ............................................................3

2.1 Applicable provisions and delimitation ........................................................... 3

2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment ............................................................... 4

2.3 Review .................................................................................................... 4

3. Activity description .................................................................................5

3.1 Location ................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Design ..................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Technical description .................................................................................. 7

4. Options ................................................................................................ 16

4.1 Main option ............................................................................................ 16

4.2 The zero option ....................................................................................... 16

4.3 Alternative location .................................................................................. 16

4.4 Alternative design ................................................................................... 16

5. Plan conditions ..................................................................................... 17

6. Wind farm – environmental conditions and boundaries .......................... 18

6.1 National interests and area protection ......................................................... 18

6.2 Depth conditions and hydrology ................................................................. 28

6.3 Seabed conditions, sediments and pollution ................................................. 29

6.4 Bottom flora and fauna ............................................................................. 31

6.5 Fish ...................................................................................................... 32

6.6 Marine mammals ..................................................................................... 34

6.7 Birds ..................................................................................................... 36

6.8 Bats ...................................................................................................... 38

6.9 Cultural environment and marine archaeology .............................................. 39

6.10 Outdoor recreation .................................................................................. 41

6.11 Human health ......................................................................................... 41

6.12 Shipping and fairways .............................................................................. 42

6.13 Commercial fishing .................................................................................. 44

6.14 Military areas .......................................................................................... 45

6.15 Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 46

6.16 Monitoring stations .................................................................................. 48

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6.17 Raw material extraction sites ..................................................................... 48

7. Landscape view .................................................................................... 49

8. Marine Environment Directive and Water Framework Directive .............. 49

8.1 Marine Environment Directive .................................................................... 49

9. Risk analysis ........................................................................................ 51

10. Cumulative effects ................................................................................ 52

11. Surveys and investigations ................................................................... 52

11.1 Completed ............................................................................................. 52

11.2 Planned ................................................................................................. 53

12. Ongoing process ................................................................................... 54

12.1 Schedule for the planned activities ............................................................. 54

12.2 Timetable for the permit process ................................................................ 54

12.3 Continued consultation process and reviews ................................................. 54

12.4 Adjustments during the EIA process ........................................................... 54

13. Content of the environmental impact assessment and parties to be consulted ............................................................................................. 55

13.1 Delimitation of the environmental impact assessment .................................... 55

13.2 Parties consulted ..................................................................................... 57

14. References ........................................................................................... 58

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1. Introduction

This document constitutes RWE Renewables Sweden AB’s basis for the delimitation

consultation ahead of the forthcoming application for a permit under the Swedish

Economic Zone Act (1992:1140) and the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314) for the

Södra Victoria offshore wind farm in the south-eastern Baltic Sea, and the

associated internal cable network.

The consultation document describes the proposed scope and format of the

environmental impact assessment (EIA) that will be attached to the company’s

future applications for permits under the Swedish Economic Zone Act for the

planned wind farm, as well as permits under the Continental Shelf Act for the

internal cable network within the wind farm.

1.1 Administrative details

Applicant RWE Renewables Sweden AB

Contact Anton Andersson

Company registration number 556938-6864

Address Box 388, SE-201 23 Malmö

Counsel for the applicant Foyen Advokatfirma KB, Pia Pehrson

1.2 Background RWE Renewables Sweden AB, formerly E.ON Wind Sweden AB (“RWE” or “the

company”) started exploring the possibilities for the establishment of a major

offshore wind farm in southern Sweden in 2006.

The company initially identified Södra Midsjöbanken, Norra Midsjöbanken and

Hoburgs Bank in the Baltic Sea as potential areas for offshore wind power. After

investigations, the company concluded that the possibilities for coexistence

between environmental assets and wind power were greatest at Södra

Midsjöbanken.

In 2007, the company applied for and received permission to investigate seabed

conditions at Södra Midsjöbanken and within a cable corridor to the shore under

the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314).

Following surveys, in 2012 the company applied for a permit under the Swedish

Economic Zone Act (1992:1140) to construct and operate a wind farm at Södra

Midsjöbanken, and under the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314) to lay and

maintain submarine cables for heavy current. The permit application also covered

additional seabed surveys.

In 2016, during the ongoing processing of the company’s permit applications, the

authorities designated a maritime area of more than 10,500 km2 in the Baltic Sea

as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Birds Directive. In 2017, the same

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area was designated as a Site of Community Importance under the Habitats

Directive (SCI). The Natura 2000 area was named Hoburgs bank och

Midsjöbankarna (SE 0330308). The company’s proposed area of operation for the

wind farm was located entirely outside the designated Natura 2000 area.

The Government, through the Ministry of the Environment, announced in a letter

dated 14 March 2019 that RWE’s application for a permit under the Swedish

Economic Zone Act (1992:1140) had to be supplemented with a permit under

Chapter 7, Section 28a of the Environmental Code (i.e. a Natura 2000 permit).

In consultation responses concerning the company’s application for a permit under

the Swedish Economic Zone Act (1992:1140) and the Continental Shelf Act

(1966:314), objections were raised by authorities and experts against locating the

facility at the Södra Midsjöbanken offshore reef.

The company has subsequently carried out further studies of the conditions in the

area with a view to enabling an optimal location for the Södra Victoria wind farm.

Taking into account the conservation assets of the Natura 2000 area, including

birds, the Södra Victoria wind farm has been located to the west of the Södra

Midsjöbanken offshore bank instead of in the shallows, as in the application for a

permit in 2012.

On 10 June 2022, RWE submitted an application under Chapter 7, Section 28 of

the Environmental Code for the Södra Victoria wind farm and associated internal

cable network to the County Administrative Board of Kalmar, and is initiating

further permit processes with this consultation document.

1.3 Consultation document and consultation process The planned activities are expected to have a significant impact on the

environment. This means that a delimitation consultation must be carried out for

the specific environmental assessment process in accordance with Chapter 6,

Sections 29 to 34 of the Environmental Code.

The project area is located in the south-eastern Baltic Sea and transboundary

impacts cannot be excluded. The company is of the opinion that a notification

under the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary

Context (the Espoo Convention) is relevant. An Espoo consultation is administered

by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in a separate exercise.

The application for a Natura 2000 permit has been preceded by consultations and

an Espoo consultation. Some of the comments received from the Espoo

consultation were referred by the company to the upcoming review processes

under the Swedish Economic Zone Act and Continental Shelf Act. These comments

will be included in the forthcoming environmental impact assessment.

This document constitutes a basis for the delimitation consultation and contains

information on the location, scope and design of the planned wind farm, identified

interests and assets in the area, projected environmental impact and proposals for

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the content and format of the EIA. The consultation concerns the examination of

permits under the Swedish Economic Zone Act for the construction of the wind

farm in the Swedish Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf Act for the laying of

internal submarine cables within the wind farm. The consultation document has

been prepared in accordance with Section 8 of the Environmental Assessment

Ordinance.

The consultation is advertised in local newspapers and in Post- och inrikes tidning.

A list of the proposed parties to be consulted can be found in section 13.2.

Consultation with Kalmar County Administrative Board, Gotland County

Administrative Board and the Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU, is planned to be

carried out through a meeting in August 2022. Consultation with other authorities,

municipalities and individuals particularly concerned is planned to take place in

writing in July and August 2022.

Comments on the formulation of the EIA and information on other matters should

be sent to [email protected] or to RWE Renewables Sweden AB, Box 388,

SE-201 23 Malmö.

The comments, facts and questions received during the consultation are an

important basis for RWE’s work on the project and, together with the results of in-

depth studies and inventories, will form the basis for the further design of the

project. The forthcoming permit application and associated EIA will be designed

and delimited on the basis of what emerges from the consultation.

The consultation will be described in a consultation report attached to the permit

application. The consultation report describes how the consultation was carried

out, what comments were received and an overview of how the comments were

taken into account in the design of the project or what is addressed in the EIA.

2. Legislation and permit processes

2.1 Applicable provisions and delimitation The whole of the wind power area is located outside Sweden’s maritime territory

in the Swedish Economic Zone, and permits for the construction and operation of

facilities are therefore examined under the Swedish Economic Zone Act

(1992:1140). Permits are issued by the Government (Ministry of the

Environment).

The submarine cables connecting the wind turbines and transformer substations

within the wind farm require permits under the Continental Shelf Act (1966:314).

Permits under the Continental Shelf Act are issued by the Government (Ministry of

Enterprise). This consultation does not include seabed analyses by means of

geophysical or geotechnical surveys of the seabed, which require permits under

the Continental Shelf Act.

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The laying and operation of export cables which transmit electricity from the wind

farm to land require a permit under the Continental Shelf Act, Chapter 11 of the

Environmental Code and the Electricity Act (concession). The location of the

export cables can only be determined at a later stage of the project. These

permits will therefore be examined in separate processes and are not covered by

the current consultation. However, a general description of alternative cable

routes and connection points is presented in this consultation document in order

to provide an overall picture of the project.

The wind farm is located partly within the Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank och

Midsjöbankarna, which means that a special Natura 2000 assessment under

Chapter 7, Section 28a of the Environmental Code is required for the construction

and operation of the wind farm and the internal cable network. This assessment is

taking place in a separate process where consultation has been carried out and

the application with the associated EIA has been submitted, ref. no. 5317-2022.

The assessment is being carried out by Kalmar County Administrative Board.

2.2 Environmental Impact Assessment According to the Swedish Economic Zone Act (1992:1140) and the Continental

Shelf Act (1966:314), an EIA must be prepared in accordance with the provisions

of the Environmental Code for applications for permits under the legislation. A

specific environmental assessment must be carried out in order to obtain the right

knowledge about the project, to narrow down the investigation and impact

assessment to what is essential and to investigate various alternative locations

and designs for the planned activity. The specific environmental assessment also

aims to obtain information on the conditions for the planned activity, and the

effects of these. This information will be used as a basis for decision-making in the

planning and EIA process. Delimitation consultations are carried out as part of the

specific environmental assessment: see section 1.2.

This delimitation consultation sets out the changes to the environment that are

likely to occur and the assets that these changes may affect. By analysing the

assets and aspects that may be affected at an early stage, the relevant supporting

material in the form of inventories and studies can be performed at the right level.

Early analysis of the anticipated environmental impact also provides an overall

picture of the project’s potential impacts, and adjustments in respect of wind farm

design, cable routing and protection measures may be implemented.

An overall assessment of the impact of the wind farm and its internal cable

network is appropriate, even if the assessment is carried out under different

legislation (Swedish Economic Zone Act and Continental Shelf Act). Therefore, a

design will be sought such that permit applications under different parts of the

legislation can relate to specific parts of the EIA.

2.3 Review When the application with the EIA and technical description has been submitted to

the Government, a update and consultation procedure will be initiated, during

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which it will also be possible to submit comments and observations on the planned

activities.

3. Activity description

3.1 Location The planned Södra Victoria wind farm is located in the south-eastern Baltic Sea,

about 70 km south-east of the southern tip of Öland, about 90 km north-west of

the northernmost coast of Poland and about 130 km east of Bornholm. The wind

farm is located outside Sweden’s territorial boundary and within the Swedish

Economic Zone. Figure 1 shows the location of the Södra Victoria wind farm.

Figure 1. Location of the planned Södra Victoria wind farm.

The area of the planned wind farm is 174 km2. The depth varies between about 25

and 36 m. In the eastern part of the wind farm, there are small areas at a depth

of about 23 m. Figure 2 shows the approximate depth and coordinates of the

outer boundary of the planned wind farm.

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Figure 2. The approximate depth and coordinates of the outer boundary of the planned Södra Victoria wind farm.

3.2 Design The final choice of wind turbine and its design has not yet been determined due to

the rapid technological development in offshore wind power. However, Table 1

shows a worst case scenario (WCS) design for the parameters that are planned to

form the basis of the forthcoming EIA.

Table 1. Summary technical parameters for the Södra Victoria wind farm.

Parameters

Nameplate capacity 1500–2000 MW

Area 174 km2

Number of wind turbines, max. 100

Height of wind turbines (including

rotor blades), max.

295 m

Rotor diameter, max. 270 m

Rotor height above sea level 20 m

Shortest distance between wind

turbines:

Approx. 1000 m

Internal cable network Approx. 150 km

Transformer substations 1-2

The final location of individual turbines within the wind farm area will be

determined in connection with the detailed design of the wind farm and cannot be

specified at this stage. The location of individual wind turbines is influenced by

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parameters such as wind conditions, water depth, geology, environmental assets,

optimisation of the route of the internal cable network and the size of the wind

turbines. Figure 3 shows an example layout involving 100 wind turbines, a

transformer substation and the internal cable network.

Figure 3. Example layout of the planned wind farm with 100 wind turbines, a centrally located transformer substation and internal cable network.

3.3 Technical description

3.3.1 Design and technology

3.3.1.1 Wind turbines A wind turbine consists of four main components; a foundation, a tower, a nacelle

and three rotor blades: see Figure 4. The tower is made of steel and is mounted

on a foundation anchored to the seabed. Foundations are described in section

3.3.1.3. The rotor blades are mounted on a hub located on the nacelle. The

nacelle, which is located at the top of the tower, houses the generator, among

other things. The generator supplies power to the transformer via the internal

cable network. After the transformer, the electrical energy is transferred to the

export cables.

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Figure 4. Outline drawing of a wind turbine. (Source: RWE)

The wind turbines are planned to be a maximum of 295 m high, with a maximum

rotor diameter of 270 m and a minimum rotor height above sea level of 20 m at

high tide (“Highest Astronomical Tide” – HAT).

3.3.1.2 Transformer substation The transformer substations are the nodes between the wind turbines and the

main grid. At the transformer substations, the electricity generated in the wind

turbines is transformed to a higher voltage level, from about 66-130 kV AC to

about 220 kV AC or 500 kV DC, depending on the choice of technology. The

number of export cables can be reduced and energy losses reduced by converting

to a higher voltage level.

Transformer substations typically consist of two parts; a foundation and the

station itself. The station houses switchgear and transformers, as well as an

auxiliary power unit. The auxiliary power unit consists of diesel-powered

generators that supply 400 V power to the low-voltage installation on the platform

in the event of loss of the primary power supply. There are mooring spaces for

boats on the platform. The platform may be equipped with a helicopter pad and an

accommodation module for personnel.

The size of the platforms, depending on whether they handle AC or DC power, is

shown in Table 2. The final design and size of the transformer substations may

differ slightly from these typical examples in Table 2.

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Table 2. Size of transformer substations (example) depending on whether they handle AC or DC power.

Transformer substation Length x width x height:

Direct current 80 x 35 x 35 m

Alternating current 45 x 30 x 15 m

The transformer substations are equipped with collection systems for any oil spills

and leaks.

3.3.1.3 Foundations Wind turbines and transformer substations are mounted on foundations that are

anchored to the seabed. The most suitable foundations depend on factors such as

foundation conditions, which may vary within the planned wind farm area. This will

be clarified during detailed design.

Possible options for the foundation of wind turbines are gravity foundations and

the piled foundation types: monopile foundations and truss foundations; see

Figure 5. Possible foundation options for the transformer substations are truss

foundations and gravity foundations. Monopile foundations are not considered a

relevant option for transformer substations.

Figure 5. Types of foundations that may be used for the planned wind farm. From left to right; monopile foundations, truss foundations and gravity foundations. (Source: RWE)

Monopile foundations

The monopile foundation is a steel structure that is anchored to the seabed by

means of piling. Steel monopile foundation is a tried and tested technology that is

traditionally preferred for offshore wind farms as it is well established in the

market and is economically advantageous. The monopile foundation consists of

two parts; a steel cylinder that is driven into the seabed, and a transition piece

that is mounted on top of the cylinder. The tower is attached to the foundation by

means of the transition piece. Monopile foundations are generally considered to be

suitable for water depths up to about 40 m.

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Truss foundations

A truss foundation for a wind turbine consists of a prefabricated network structure

made up of steel tubing with three to four legs anchored by three or four piles that

are driven into the seabed. Truss foundations with four legs, as opposed to three

legs, are the most likely to be used within the planned wind farm. In stormy

conditions, the force on each individual pile can be very high. Ballast can be

installed in the piles to counteract this force. Truss structures are commonly used

in the oil and gas industry. The foundations are generally considered suitable for

water depths up to 60 m.

Truss foundations for a transformer substation typically consist of a steel structure

with up to eight supporting legs, with a diameter of about 2.5-3.5 m per leg.

Cable ducts for electricity and fibre cables run between the seabed and the

switchgear and are designed to protect the cables from external influences.

Gravity foundations

Gravity foundations consist of very large concrete structures that hold wind

turbines and transformer substations in place with their large size and weight.

Gravity foundations are used, for example, at RWE’s existing Kårehamn wind farm

off Öland, and are generally considered suitable for water depths up to about 40

m.

The construction of gravity foundations does not require deep countersinking in

the seabed and, after possible preparatory preparation of the seabed, may be

suitable for rocky beds and boulder-rich terrain, as well as for stable (well-packed)

sediments. Gravity foundations, on the other hand, are less suitable on beds

consisting of continuous loose sediment such as clay.

There are two possible concepts if the transformer substations are established on

gravity foundations: see Figure 6. Either gravity foundations are supplied to the

site complete with ballast installed in the bottom part, Or gravity foundations are

supplied without ballast, but in the form of a bottom part with a “balcony”, see

Figure 6. The balcony is filled with ballast when the foundation is in place.

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Figure 6. There are two possible concepts for the gravity foundation; supplied complete with ballast placed in the bottom part (top picture) or supplied without ballast in the form of a bottom part with a “balcony” (bottom picture). The foundation is put in place and then the “balcony” is filled with ballast. (Source: RWE)

3.3.1.4 Erosion protection Depending on the nature of the seabed, there is a risk of erosion around installed

foundations due to sea currents. Erosion can result in undermining of foundations,

which causes them to lose their anchorage to the substrate material, which in a

worst case scenario can lead to failure. Erosion of the seabed can be prevented by

installing erosion protection around the foundations.

Erosion protection usually consists of a gravel or stone layer and boulders placed

around the foundation. Alternative erosion protection measures include gabions or

nets filled with material excavated from the seabed during construction works,

which are placed around the foundations.

Gravity foundations almost always require erosion protection. Monopile and truss

foundations may also require erosion protection, but to a lesser extent than

gravity foundations. Truss foundations require greater amounts of erosion

protection than monopile foundations due to the many legs in the truss structure.

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The need for and extent of erosion protection for foundations in the planned Södra

Victoria wind farm depends not only on the foundation technology, but also on the

susceptibility of the seabed to erosion, which can vary within the wind farm area.

The detailed design of the wind farm will determine whether erosion protection is

needed around all or just some of the foundations and how extensive the erosion

protection needs to be. As a starting point for the environmental assessment, it is

assumed that erosion protection will be installed around all foundations.

Wind turbines

Erosion protection with a maximum outer radius equivalent to five times the

diameter of the foundation may need to be installed for monopile foundations and

truss foundations for wind turbines. Erosion protection is placed about 15 m from

the gravity foundations in the case of gravity foundations for wind turbines. If the

surface for the gravity foundation needs to be dredged in order to level the

seabed, it will be placed 10-20 m outside the edge of the erosion protection.

Transformer substation

Depending on the nature of the seabed, erosion protection for the truss

foundations belonging to the transformer substations may require construction of

erosion protection in the form of a rock bed on which the foundations and power

cables can rest. The thickness of the bed is estimated to be 1-2 m and extends at

most about 15 m beyond the foundation. Depending on the nature of the seabed,

it may also be necessary to construct erosion protection for the gravity

foundations belonging to the transformer substations. The bed may extend a

maximum of about 15 m beyond the foundation. If dredging is required, the

dredged material will be placed around the foundation, outside the erosion

protection. Dredged material may extend about 20 metres beyond the erosion

protection.

3.3.1.5 Internal cable network The internal cable network will probably consist of high-voltage AC cables for

approx. 66 – 130kV. Higher voltage levels could also be used. The total length of

the cable network is estimated to be about 150 km. This length depends on

factors such as the final number of wind turbines and transformer substations, the

voltage level of the cable and the layout of the wind farm.

3.3.1.6 Export cables The export cables are not included in this consultation, but are presented in

summary to provide a better overall picture of the project.

Power will be transferred from the transformer substations at the planned wind

farm to the main grid via export cables. Three different connection options are

being examined for the Södra Victoria wind farm:

• The export cables will be laid between the transformer substations and a

connection point on the Swedish mainland.

• The export cables will be laid between the transformer substations and a

future offshore connection point.

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• The export cables from the transformer substations will be connected to

the existing NordBalt power cable, which is adjacent to the planned wind

farm.

Regardless of the connection option, the cables will be laid within the cable

corridor shown in Figure 7. The exact routing of the cables within the corridor as

well as their landfall will be examined in detail at a later design stage. When

connecting to the NordBalt cable, the existing cables will be respliced in a suitable

location and installed within the export cable corridor to the transformer for the

planned wind farm.

Figure 7. The planned wind farm including the cable corridor for the export cable

to land.

The power transmission from the wind farm is either by high-voltage alternating

current (HVAC) cables or high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. The number

and design of the cables will depend on the selected technology (HVAC or HVDC)

and the voltage level of the cables. A decision on the choice of technology will be

made at a later stage following coordination with Svenska Kraftnät, so both

technologies are possible alternatives.

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3.3.2 Planned work

3.3.2.1 Construction The construction of the planned wind farm is planned to take about 2-4 years.

Foundation

The project includes the construction and installation of foundations, wind

turbines, transformer substation and internal cable network.

Monopile and truss foundations do not usually require any ground preparation or

other preparatory work apart from the clearing of any boulders and suchlike. The

foundations are towed to the site and set out using a crane from a construction

vessel. The installation work can be roughly divided into the following activities:

• Docking of vessels and placement of foundations in an upright position for

piling

• Installation of soundproofing measures

• Piling work by means of pile driving, supplemented by drilling if necessary

(giving rise to drill cuttings)

• Removal of soundproofing measures

• Transfer to a new position

After piling, the transition piece is mounted on the monopile or truss foundation,

after which any erosion protection is constructed.

Gravity foundations are constructed in several steps. If necessary, the seabed at

the foundation site will be prepared by means of dredging to remove any loose

sediment and level the surface of the seabed. Excavated sediments will be

deposited on the seabed adjacent to the dredged area or used to cover the

internal cable network. A bed with a base course made up of crushed rock is

usually laid on the dredged surface. The gravity foundations, in the form of

concrete caissons, can be transported to the wind farm area by barge.

Alternatively, the foundations may be designed as floating/semi-floating and

towed to the wind farm area. Erosion protection is built around the foundations

after the gravity foundations have been installed.

Internal cable network

The internal cable network is constructed when the foundations have been

installed. Installation is carried out using a cable-laying vessel from which the

cable is laid on the seabed. The cable is then anchored and stabilised on the

seabed using rocks, concrete mattresses or similar at regular intervals. The

installation may need to be preceded by potential clearing of boulders and suchlike

on the seabed within the corridor where the internal cable is to be placed. The

internal cable network is planned to avoid laying it on reefs. If this is not possible

on shorter sections, the reef will be raised to one side and repositioned with the

same orientation after the cable is laid down.

Wind turbines and transformer substation

There are several alternative procedures for the installation of wind turbines:

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• The rotor is assembled on land and transported to the construction site

and mounted on the erected tower and nacelle

• The blades are mounted, one by one, on the erected nacelle on site

The parts are transported by ship to the planned wind farm. Towers and nacelles

can be installed on the foundations by various barge solutions, or by vessels using

support legs to allow safe lifting. The installation work is mainly carried out above

the surface of the water.

The transformer substations are constructed in a similar way to the wind turbines.

The transformer substation is lifted into place after a foundation is installed.

Export cable

A number of different methods may be used to lay the export cables from the

transformer substations to a connection point on land or at sea. The choice of

method (subsea ploughing/excavation and milling) will depend on local seabed

conditions, and different methods may be used for different parts of the cable

network if seabed conditions so require. The company believes that any milling

will only need to be carried out in exceptional cases on certain sections, if

conditions so require.

The export cables are installed at a depth of about 1-2 m into the seabed to

protect them from external influences and from damage caused by fishing gear

and anchors, for example. The minimum depth is one metre. If this cannot be

achieved, or if there are locations where excavation may be difficult, the cable

may be placed on the seabed and anchored using crushed rock.

3.3.2.2 Operation Regular inspection and maintenance of the various parts of the planned wind farm

will take place during the operational phase.

The transformer substations are unlikely to be staffed 24 hours a day, but will be

visited regularly by staff for inspection and maintenance. Transportation of

personnel to and from the wind farm area be by ship, and possibly by helicopter.

Personnel responsible for inspection and maintenance may stay in an

accommodation area on the transformer platform or on vessels. Site conditions

such as wind are monitored by means of survey buoys.

The large number of wind turbines and other equipment means that there will be

constant inspection of the wind farm throughout its lifetime, which is estimated to

be at least around 35 years.

3.3.2.3 Decommissioning The decommissioning phase is further into the future and methods may be

different when decommissioning is to be implemented. The decommissioning

phase and its effects will be described based on current practices, techniques and

methodologies, but these may be subject to change when decommissioning is

imminent.

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Decommissioning and its possible consequences will be outlined in the EIA

4. Options

An EIA must include a statement of options. Alternatives to a wind farm as large

as the planned Södra Victoria wind farm are hard to find on land, which is why

only offshore options are being investigated. Furthermore, RWE intends to connect

the electricity produced to electricity area 4, which means that only sites at a

reasonable distance from connection points in these areas are considered.

4.1 Main option The main option involves locating and designing the wind farm in general

conformity with the description in chapter 3. The fully developed wind farm will

have a total nameplate capacity of about 1500-2000 MW. The construction work is

expected to take about 2-4 years.

Impacts, effects and consequences will be assessed during construction and

operation and for decommissioning. A preliminary assessment has been carried

out for each aspect under chapter 6.

4.2 The zero option The zero option means that no wind farm will be built in the area and thus no

renewable energy will be produced from this area. As a result, the national

interest in wind energy is not taken into account and electricity generation needs

to be relocated.

The zero option is generally taken to mean that there will be no impact on natural

assets and other interests in the area. However, similar impacts may occur in

another location where energy production is constructed. The zero option will be

described in the EIA.

4.3 Alternative location RWE has commissioned a localisation survey, identifying and comparing

alternative locations for an offshore wind farm in the southern Baltic Sea (Sweco,

2022c). The alternatives have been evaluated in terms of technical conditions,

impact on protected areas and natural assets, and impact on other interests.

Parameters taken into account include the size of the project area, sea depth,

wind speed, electricity connection and coexistence with nature conservation and

other interests, such as shipping, defence and the fishing industry. Alternative

locations will be described in the EIA.

4.4 Alternative design Alternative designs could, for example, include different ways of laying the

foundations for the turbines or different cable installation methods. Foundations

could be monopile foundations, truss foundations or gravity foundations, for

example.

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An alternative design for the wind farm will be presented in the EIA.

5. Plan conditions

The Swedish Government established Sweden’s marine plans for the Gulf of

Bothnia, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea in February 2022 (Havs- och

vattenmyndigheten, 2022b). The purpose of the marine plans is to define clear

goals for the future that Sweden wishes to achieve with regard to the sea and

contribute to sustainable development. The plans show the Government’s overall

view of how the sea should be used, and are intended to guide authorities,

municipalities and courts when they make decisions, plan or grant permits for

activities at sea.

The area of the Södra Victoria wind farm coincides with areas Ö248 and Ö245 in

the marine plan: see Figure 8. Area Ö248 (Södra Midsjöbanken) is a survey area

for energy extraction where special consideration must be given to the interests of

total defence and the area’s high conservation values. Area Ö245, the Natura

2000 area Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna, has “nature” use. The planned

Södra Victoria wind farm, which is located in its entirety within an area of national

interest for wind energy – see Figure 8 – is mainly located outside and west of

area Ö248.

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Figure 8. Plan map showing south-eastern and southern Baltic Sea areas (Havs-

och vattenmyndigheten, 2022d).

The part of Södra Midsjöbanken located within the Polish Economic Zone, and the

immediate surrounding sea area, are areas for exploration and extraction of

minerals and production of renewable energy according to the Polish maritime

plan. Fairways designated for transport pass to the south and south-west of Södra

Midsjöbanken.

6. Wind farm – environmental conditions and boundaries

6.1 National interests and area protection

6.1.1 National interest: wind energy The Swedish Energy Agency has been tasked with identifying areas on land and at

sea with particularly good wind conditions that are of national interest for wind

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energy in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 8 of the Environmental Code. The

national interest claims specified have been devised with security of supply and an

energy system perspective in mind (Energimyndigheten, 2022).

6.1.1.1 Baseline description The planned wind farm in its entirety is located within an area of national interest

for wind energy in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 8 of the Environmental

Code Figure 9.

Figure 9. National interest for wind energy (Energimyndigheten, 2022).

6.1.1.2 Possible impacts Establishment of a wind farm within the designated national interest means that

the purpose of the national interest is fulfilled.

6.1.1.3 Delimitation Impacts on designated national interests for wind energy will be investigated and

assessed further in the forthcoming EIA.

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6.1.2 National interest: nature conservation and nature reserves Areas of national interest for nature conservation represent the main features of

Swedish nature and are the most valuable areas from a national perspective. The

Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for identifying areas that

are deemed to be of national interest for nature conservation in accordance with

Chapter 3, Section 6 of the Environmental Code (Naturvårdsverket, 2005).

County administrative boards and municipalities can establish nature reserves.

Nature reserves are created in order to preserve biodiversity, maintain and

conserve valuable natural environments and provide areas for outdoor recreation.

An area that is needed in order to protect, restore or recreate valuable natural

habitats or biotopes for species worthy of protection may also be declared a

nature reserve (Naturvårdsverket, 2022).

6.1.2.1 Baseline description The nearest designated national interest is located about 65 km north-west of the

wind farm and includes the southern cape of Öland.

6.1.2.2 Possible impacts No impacts on the designated national interest for nature conservation are

expected because of the large distance from the planned wind farm.

6.1.2.3 Delimitation Designated national interests for nature conservation will be reported in the

forthcoming EIA, but no assessment is proposed as no impacts are foreseen.

6.1.3 National interest: cultural environment The Swedish National Heritage Board is responsible for the national coordination of

national interests for cultural conservation in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 6

of the Environmental Code. Farming environments, town centres, older farming

landscapes and post-war buildings are examples of national interests for cultural

conservation. The national interest areas should collectively reflect the history of

the whole country by means of clear examples of different historical activities and

processes (Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2021).

6.1.3.1 Baseline description The nearest designated national interest is located approximately 65 km north-

west of the wind farm and includes the southern cape of Öland.

6.1.3.2 Possible impacts No impacts on the designated national interest for cultural conservation are

expected because of the large distance from the planned wind farm.

6.1.3.3 Delimitation Designated national interests for cultural conservation will be reported in the

forthcoming EIA, but no assessment is proposed as no impacts are foreseen.

6.1.4 National interest: outdoor recreation For an area to be of national interest for outdoor recreation, it must have high

outdoor recreational values from a national perspective based on specific natural

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and cultural qualities, variations in the landscape and ease of access for the

general public. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for

identifying areas that are deemed to be of national interest for outdoor recreation

in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 6 of the Environmental Code

(Naturvårdsverket, 2005).

6.1.4.1 Baseline description The nearest designated national interest is located approximately 65 km north-

west of the wind farm and includes the southern cape of Öland.

6.1.4.2 Possible impacts No impacts on the designated national interest for outdoor recreation are expected

because of the large distance from the planned wind farm.

6.1.4.3 Delimitation Designated national interests for outdoor recreation will be reported in the

forthcoming EIA, but no assessment is proposed as no impacts are foreseen.

6.1.5 National interest: total defence National interests for the military component of total defence include national

interests that can be disclosed openly and national interests that cannot be

disclosed openly for reasons of defence secrecy. The national interests of the

Swedish Armed Forces include firing and training ranges, airports, naval training

areas, technical systems and facilities. Areas that constitute national interests in

accordance with Chapter 3, Section 9 of the Environmental Code for the military

component of total defence are areas that are deemed to have nationally

important values and qualities for the protection of Sweden (Försvarsmakten,

2020).

6.1.5.1 Baseline description The wind farm is not adjacent to any known Swedish defence area. The TM0306

naval training area is situated closer to land, about 63 km north-west of the wind

farm.

6.1.5.2 Possible impacts No possible impacts can be foreseen for designated national interests for total

defence that are not disclosed openly. RWE intends to consult and maintain

dialogue with the Swedish Armed Forces.

6.1.5.3 Delimitation Delimitation for national interests for total defence will need to take place in

consultation with the Swedish Armed Forces so the necessary investigations can

be carried out. If effects are deemed to be capable of occurring on designated

national interests for total defence, these will be reported in the forthcoming EIA.

No possible impacts are expected for designated national interests for total

defence that are disclosed openly.

6.1.6 National interest: commercial fishing Areas of national interest for commercial fishing are designated in the marine

area, lakes and watercourses, and for fishing ports. The Swedish Agency for

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Marine and Water Management provides information on areas of national interest

for commercial fishing in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 5 of the

Environmental Code.

6.1.6.1 Baseline description About 12 km west of the wind farm, there is a fishing area of national interest for

commercial fishing known as “Södra Öland/Utklippan”, with the designation RI YF

8 (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2020): see Figure 10.

Figure 10. National interest: commercial fishing (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2020).

6.1.6.2 Possible impacts Possible impacts on the fishing area during construction, operation and

decommissioning are described in section 6.13, and these are the effects that are

also considered likely to occur for the designated national interest for commercial

fishing.

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6.1.6.3 Delimitation The impact of construction, operation and decommissioning on the national

interest for commercial fishing will be further investigated and assessed in the

forthcoming EIA.

6.1.7 National interest: shipping and fairways The Swedish Transport Administration is responsible for making national interest

claims for modes of transport, including ports and fairways, in accordance with

Chapter 3, Section 8 of the Environmental Code.

6.1.7.1 Baseline description There are two deep-water fairways north of the wind farm, “Gedser-Stora Björn”

and “Ölands södra udde-Finska viken”, where a total of about 40,000 vessels pass

each year. This includes cargo vessels, tankers and passenger vessels. The

“Utklippan-Gdansk (Poland)” fairway runs south-west of the wind farm.

Figure 11. National interest: shipping and fairways (Trafikverket, 2021).

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6.1.7.2 Possible impacts The wind farm, which is entirely outside the fairways described above, does not

affect the national interest for communications (shipping). Different types of

vessels related to the project will operate in the area of the planned wind farm

during the construction and decommissioning phases, and this could affect nearby

shipping.

6.1.7.3 Delimitation The impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases on

shipping and fairways will be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming

EIA.

6.1.8 Natura 2000 The Natura 2000 network of protected areas in the EU was set up in order to halt

the extinction of animals and plants and prevent the destruction of their habitats.

Natura 2000 areas are designated pursuant to two EU Directives: the Birds

Directive and the Habitats Directive. Areas that are designated to comply with the

Birds Directive are known as SPAs (Special Protected Areas), while areas

designated under the criteria in the Habitats Directive are known as SCIs (Sites of

Community Importance).

6.1.8.1 Baseline description Figure 12 shows Natura 2000 areas in and around the planned wind farm.

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Figure 12. Natura 2000 areas in and around the planned wind farm. The Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna, which overlaps with the planned wind farm, is being examined in a separate exercise under Chapter 7, Section 28a of the Environmental Code, and an application has been compiled and submitted (EEA, 2022).

The planned wind farm is partly located within the Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank

och Midsjöbankarna (SE0330308), which is an SPA and an SCI. Designated

habitats are sandbanks (1110) and reefs (1170) and designated species are long-

tailed duck (A064), black guillemot (A202), harbour porpoise (1351) and eider

(A063). These banks are important feeding and nursery areas for fish and sea

birds, and together they form the most important wintering area in the Baltic Sea

for long-tailed ducks and a core area for the Baltic harbour porpoise population

(Länsstyrelsen Gotland län och Kalmar län, 2021).

The Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna is being examined in a

separate exercise under Chapter 7, Section 28a of the Environmental Code for

what is known as a Natura 2000 permit for the wind farm and its associated

internal cable network. This application, together with an accompanying EIA and

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annexes, has been prepared and submitted for examination. In view of this,

potential impacts on the Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna will

not be addressed further in this consultation document beyond this baseline

description.

The Natura 2000 area Ławica Słupska (PLC990001), which is both an SPA and an

SCI, is situated in Polish waters about 60 km south of the planned wind farm.

Sandbanks (1110) and reefs (1170) are designated habitats, while black guillemot

(A202), long-tailed duck (A064), black-throated diver and red-throated diver

(A002 and A001 respectively) are designated species.

The Natura 2000 area Ottenby NR (SE0330108), which is an SCI, is situated on

the southern tip of Öland, about 65 km north of the planned wind farm

(Länsstyrelsen Kalmar län, 2016). Designated marine habitats are sandbanks

(1110), mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (1140),

coastal lagoons (1150), large shallow inlets and bays (1160) and reefs (1170).

Designated species include the grey seal (1364) and the common seal (1365). The

Natura 2000 area Ottenby NR includes the Natura 2000 area Ottenby

(SE0330083), which is an SPA with several designated bird species (Länsstyrelsen

Kalmar län, 2016). The common Natura 2000 area has – among other things – a

unique environment, with riparian cultivated land and important marine habitats

to which many species-rich plant and animal communities are linked.

6.1.8.2 Possible impacts Underwater noise will be generated during construction, operation and

decommissioning which may affect both fish and marine mammals: see also

sections 6.5 and 6.6 respectively. Installation and decommissioning may produce

loud noise levels that could cause flight behaviour and affect their hearing and, in

a worst case scenario, could be fatal. The provision of a wind farm in the project

area will change the underwater soundscape while the wind farm is in operation.

Underwater noise will not affect these areas during any phase of the planned wind

farm due to the long distance to Natura 2000 areas.

Temporary changes in water quality may occur during construction and

decommissioning due to turbidity, sedimentation and possible release of

pollutants. The turbidity and hence sedimentation and possible release of

pollutants will not affect the Natura 2000 areas as these areas are located a very

long distance from the planned wind farm.

Birds may be affected during construction and operation due to the physical

presence of project-related vessels within the planned wind farm and en route to

the planned wind farm. Vessels will be present and construction works will be

carried out during construction, which may affect birds. Collisions with the wind

turbines or barrier effects for birds may occur during operation due to the planned

wind farm, as well as possible exclusion of birds from areas in which they forage.

See also section 6.7 on birds.

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6.1.8.3 Delimitation Natura 2000 areas will be detailed in the forthcoming EIA. There will be no impact

on designated habitats or species or their conservation status because of the great

distance to the Natura 2000 areas other than Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna,

which is being assessed in a separate exercise. Therefore, their impact will not be

assessed in the EIA. Therefore, assessment under the Natura 2000 provisions for

these Natura 2000 areas, which are not Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna, is not

considered to be relevant.

6.1.9 International protection HELCOM (the Helsinki Commission) is the governing body of the “Convention on

the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic sea area”. The HELCOM

Marine Protected Area (MPA) network aims to protect marine and coastal habitats

and species specific to the Baltic Sea (HELCOM, 2021).

6.1.9.1 Baseline description There is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) located at Norra Midsjöbanken, just over

30 km north of the wind farm. A Marine Protected Area, the Torhamn archipelago,

is located about 80 km north-west of the wind farm. Another protected area,

Ławica Słupska off the coast of Poland, is located about 60 km south of the wind

farm, Figure 13.

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Figure 13. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within HELCOM around the planned wind farm (HELCOM, 2022).

6.1.9.2 Possible impacts No impacts are expected for the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), as these areas

are not in the vicinity of the planned wind farm.

6.1.9.3 Delimitation MPAs will be reported in the forthcoming EIA but will not be assessed as no

impacts are foreseen.

6.2 Depth conditions and hydrology Depths within the area of the planned wind farm increase mainly from east to

west, and range from about 23 to 36 metres: see Figure 2. The Södra

Midsjöbanken shallows are located east of the planned wind farm.

The Baltic Sea is an almost closed brackish inland sea. Salinity is relatively low

because the Baltic Sea has few inflows of saltier water across the Great and Little

Belts and Öresund, compared to relatively high inflows of freshwater from land

and precipitation.

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The limited inflows of salt-rich and oxygen-rich water from the North Sea into the

Baltic Sea, together with the high freshwater inflows from land and precipitation,

cause sharp stratification of water that can prevent oxygenation of deeper waters

and give rise to oxygen-depleted or completely oxygen-free seabeds (SMHI,

2018). Figure 14 shows areas with oxygen-depleted or completely oxygen-free

seabeds in autumn 2020. If the oxygen content is sufficiently low, hydrogen

sulphide will be produced as organic matter decomposes. Hydrogen sulphide is

toxic and the animals that are unable to leave these areas will die, which will

further increase the concentration of hydrogen sulphide. Anoxic and oxygen-free

seabeds have low biodiversity because of this. Inflows through the Great and Little

Belts and Öresund that are great enough to improve oxygen conditions on the

deep seabeds are very rare: the last two such inflows occurred in 2014 and 2003

(SMHI, 2020; SMHI, 2022; SMHI, 2012).

Figure 14 Oxygen-deficient or oxygen-free seabed areas in the vicinity of the planned Södra Victoria wind farm (SMHI, 2022).

6.3 Seabed conditions, sediments and pollution According to the sediment sampling carried out, the area of the planned wind

farm’s seabed material is classified as a sandbank, as the top layer of the seabed

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is dominated by sand with elements of gravel, as well as the presence of rocks

and boulders (Ocean Ecology, 2022; SGU, 2022). Figure 15 shows the dominant

seabed material in the top metre of the seabed.

Figure 15. Illustration of the seabed material dominating the top metre of the project area (SGU, 2022).

Sampling also indicates that the surface sediments within the project area

generally contain very low to low concentrations of substances (class 1 and 2,

respectively). Measured concentrations of metals (cadmium, copper and lead) and

PAHs (anthracene and fluoranthene) are below the assessment limit for applicable

environmental quality standards (Marine Monitoring AB, 2022).

According to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, there is

dumped ammunition and a risk of submerged mines in Hoburgs bank och

Midsjöbankarna (area Ö245) and Södra Midsjöbanken (Ö248) (Havs- och

vattenmyndigheten, 2022d).

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6.4 Bottom flora and fauna

6.4.1 Baseline description Bottom vegetation and fauna, also known as benthic flora and fauna, includes

plants and animal organisms that live on or in the seabed.

Bottom vegetation

Bottom vegetation consists of macroalgae and various types of seaweed. Bottom

vegetation in the Baltic Sea is mainly limited by the availability of light, which is

related to the depth and turbidity of the water. Usually there is very little light

available at depths greater than 20 m. However, macroalgae were found down to

a depth of more than 30 m during surveys of Södra Midsjöbanken

(Naturvårdsverket, 2006). Bottom vegetation is considered to be limited as the

depths within the area of the planned wind farm vary from about 23 to 36 metres

(see section 6.2), but there may still be areas of vegetation, particularly on the

eastern side where the depths are slightly shallower. Seabed surveys carried out

in 2021 confirm this and the presence of red algae in the project area (Ocean

Ecology, 2022).

Bottom fauna

The species composition of benthic fauna populations in the Baltic Sea is

dependent on various biotic and abiotic factors. The physical conditions that

govern the composition of bottom fauna are mainly substrate type (including any

reef structures), light, salinity, temperature, oxygen content, organic matter and

water movement, but also water quality. As the Baltic Sea has brackish waters

and many limnic and marine species are not adapted to such conditions, benthic

biodiversity is limited compared to the west coast of Sweden, where oceanic

conditions prevail. The bottom fauna in the area is therefore mainly made up of

opportunist species with high growth rates and short life cycles, such as several

species of polychaetes and bivalves (Bivalvia). Studies and surveys confirmed that

the species composition was dominated by mussels, Baltic macoma and annelids,

but also the presence of cnidarians, molluscs, arthropods and amphipods

(Naturvårdsverket, 2006; Ocean Ecology, 2022).

6.4.2 Possible impacts Bottom vegetation and fauna may be affected during construction of the planned

wind farm as the structures will occupy the seabed, and during decommissioning if

the structures are removed. Bottom vegetation and fauna may also be affected

during construction and decommissioning due to the methods used to install and

remove structures within the project area. These practices may cause increased

levels of suspended sediment, release of pollutants and sedimentation, which may

affect bottom species by way of impaired photosynthesis or smothering of sessile

animals, for example. During the operational phase, the structures at the planned

wind farm will produce what is known as a reef effect, as the foundations of the

wind turbines create new structures where hardground species can grow.

6.4.3 Delimitation As bottom vegetation may occur within the project area and may potentially be

affected by the planned wind farm, impacts of the construction, operational and

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decommissioning phases on bottom vegetation will be further investigated and

assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

For the same reason, the impact of the construction, operational and

decommissioning phases on bottom fauna will be further investigated and

assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

6.5 Fish

6.5.1 Baseline description The most abundant fish species at Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna and Södra

Midsjöbanken are cod, herring, lumpfish, flounder, sprat, three-spined stickleback,

fourbeard rockling, shorthorn sculpin, plaice and turbot. Eel, salmon and sea trout

are migratory fish species that may temporarily be found in the area (Marine

Monitoring AB, 2022).

In 2010, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency carried out test fishing

with nets at Hoburgs bank and Norra Midsjöbanken. The catch was dominated by

cod, flounder and turbot. Other species caught were shorthorn sculpin, herring,

sprat, plaice, eelpout, lumpfish and great sand eel (Naturvårdsverket, 2010).

According to the 2020 Swedish Red List, cod is deemed to be Vulnerable (VU), eel

is Critically Endangered (CR) and fourbeard rockling is Near Threatened (NT),

while the other species referred to are deemed to be of Least Concern (LC) (SLU

Artdatabanken, 2020).

Parts of Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna, as well as Södra Midsjöbanken, are

considered to be spawning grounds for herring (see Figure 16), sprat, flounder,

plaice, turbot and eelpout. The planned offshore wind farm is located within

spawning grounds for herring. Part of the offshore banks may also provide nursery

areas for cod, flounder, plaice and eelpout. Salmon and sea trout may temporarily

be present in the affected areas as these are potential nursery and feeding

grounds (Marine Monitoring AB, 2022).

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Figure 16. Illustration of spawning grounds for herring in the Baltic Sea and within

the project area (Marine Monitoring AB, 2022).

6.5.2 Possible impacts Temporary changes may occur in fish behaviour during the construction and

decommissioning phases due to turbidity, sedimentation and potential release of

pollutants into sediments. In a worst case scenario, sediment dispersion may

result in mortality as fish eggs are covered or suspended material becomes

trapped in the gills of the fish. The effect of sediment dispersion depends mainly

on the bottom substrate at the site: fine-grained sediment may cause more

extensive dispersion, for example.

Underwater noise during the construction and decommissioning phases has the

potential to affect fish as increased noise levels can result in flight behaviour and

affect their hearing, and – in a worst case scenario – cause mortality. The wind

farm will cause a change in the underwater soundscape in the affected area during

the operational phase.

The wind farm’s occupation of the affected seabed may affect fish habitats during

the construction phase. What is known as a reef effect may be formed as a result

of the addition of new solid structures such as hardground in the form of

foundations. A reef effect means that certain fish species are attracted to

structures and there is an increased abundance of them in the vicinity of the wind

turbines as the change provides a new habitat where fish can find food and seek

shelter. The numbers of fish accumulating has been shown to increase with the

structural complexity of the foundation (Naturvårdsverket, 2008). The reef effect

may disappear when the wind farm structures are decommissioned.

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Shadowing from the stationary tower and rotating rotor blades may affect fish in

the vicinity during the operational phase.

Electromagnetic fields from power cables on the seabed may potentially affect the

spatial orientation of fish.

6.5.3 Delimitation The impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases on fish

will be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

6.6 Marine mammals

6.6.1 Baseline description Harbour porpoises (see Figure 17) and seals (grey seals, common seals and

ringed seals) are marine mammals that regularly inhabit the Baltic Sea. There are

Baltic harbour porpoises and grey seals in the Natura 2000 area of Hoburgs bank

och Midsjöbankarna (Länsstyrelsen Gotland län och Kalmar län, 2021).

The Baltic population of harbour porpoises is a toothed whale species of note for

the Natura 2000 area Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna: see section 6.1.8. The

population in the area is present in higher densities in months when the animals

calve and mate (AquaBiota, 2016). The species is considered to have an

unfavourable conservation status in the Baltic Sea and is deemed to be Critically

Endangered (CR) (SLU Artdatabanken, 2020). Harbour porpoises are usually found

alone or in small groups, and are usually found in coastal areas close to the

surface of the water or at depths below 200 m. Harbour porpoises have well-

developed hearing and a wide frequency range, which results in a high sensitivity

to underwater noise (AquaBiota, 2016). The June to November period is an

important time for harbour porpoises when mating, birth and suckling of calves

take place. They are considered to be most sensitive to disturbance from June to

August (Naturens Stemme, 2022), and the June to September period is

biologically important for harbour porpoises (HELCOM, 2019). Harbour porpoises

mainly eat fish such as herring, cod, sprat, sandlances and gobies (AquaBiota,

2016). The area immediately west of Södra Midsjöbanken is not deemed to be a

main foraging area for harbour porpoises (Naturens Stemme, 2022). The company

commissioned a survey of harbour porpoises in the survey area for the wind farm

from February 2020 to December 2020 and January 2021 to December 2021

using harbour porpoise detectors. The results indicate that harbour porpoises do

not permanently reside in the area but occur more intermittently and demonstrate

seasonal variation, and occur at higher densities mainly during the summer

period. The area is not considered to be an important foraging area (BioConsult

SH, 2020; BioConsult SH, 2021).

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Figure 17. Harbour porpoise abundance in the Baltic Sea during the May to October period (left) and the November to April period (right), measured during the SAMBAH project in 2011-2013 (SAMBAH, 2016).

The grey seal is deemed to be of Least Concern (LC) (SLU Artdatabanken, 2020)

and can be observed along most of the coast of Sweden, but it is more abundant

in the areas around the Stockholm archipelago and Åland. The species is

dependent on open water and usually remains further out from the coast, such as

at the outermost islets or skerries. Grey seals have well-developed hearing and a

wide frequency range, which makes them vulnerable to underwater noise. The

reproductive period falls in May-June, and for grey seals in the northern part of

the Baltic Sea, pups are usually born directly on the drift ice at the turn of the

month between February and March. Between summer and late autumn, grey

seals forage across large parts of the Baltic Sea at depths of 10-40 m. The species

is not specialised in its food selection, but feeds mostly on various shoaling and

bottom-dwelling fish such as herring, eelpout and flatfish, but also on salmonids,

cod and whitefish (SLU Artdatabanken, 2022; Thomsen, Ludemann, Kafemann, &

Piper, 2006). According to (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2018), grey seals do

not reside permanently in the project area, but may be present from time to time.

6.6.2 Possible impacts During the construction phase, or during any decommissioning works, harbour

porpoises may be affected by underwater noise from piling works, which may

result in behavioural changes, flight behaviour or – in a worst case scenario –

mortality. The wind farm will cause a change in the underwater soundscape in the

affected area during the operational phase.

During the operational phase, any reef effect – see section 6.5.2 – may attract

fish to the area, which in turn may attract harbour porpoise and grey seal

individuals to the location.

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6.6.3 Delimitation As harbour porpoises and grey seals may periodically occur in the project area,

the impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases on both

species will be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

6.7 Birds

6.7.1 Baseline description In the Baltic Sea, the breakdown of bird species varies according to the season,

with some occurring all year round and others staying more intermittently in the

area. The various locations in the Baltic Sea thus provide important sites for

foraging, breeding, rearing and wintering. As migratory birds usually migrate via

land areas or along the coastal strip, the incidence of birds flying longer distances

over the open sea is relatively low.

In the Baltic Sea, Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna and Södra Midsjöbanken are

important wintering areas, mainly for long-tailed ducks and black guillemots, as

well as for common guillemots and razorbills. Black-throated divers, red-throated

divers, velvet scoters, eiders, common scoters, black-headed gulls, common gulls,

European herring gulls, lesser black-backed gulls and great black-backed gulls

may also be present in the areas concerned (Ottvall Consulting AB, 2021b;

Länsstyrelsen Gotland län och Kalmar län, 2021).

Aerial surveys of sea birds in the Baltic Sea were carried out in 2009-2011, 2016

and the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 winter periods. In Södra Midsjöbanken, an

inventory of black guillemots was also carried out from a boat. Long-tailed ducks

dominated in numbers during the period in question. Long-tailed ducks and black

guillemots were mainly found in the shallower parts of Södra Midsjöbanken.

Common guillemots and razorbills were mainly found in the deeper parts.

Common gulls, European herring gulls, great black-backed gulls, little gulls,

common scoters, velvet scoters, red-throated divers and black-throated divers

were observed in varying numbers. The results indicate that Södra Midsjöbanken

is an important winter foraging area for long-tailed ducks and black guillemots in

the main, as well as for common guillemots and razorbills. (Ottvall Consulting AB,

2021a).

According to the 2020 Swedish Red List, the long-tailed duck, black guillemot,

common gull and red-throated diver are deemed to be near threatened (NT) and

the European herring gull, great black-backed gull and velvet scoter are deemed

to be vulnerable (VU), while the other species observed in the study area are

deemed to be of least concern (LC) (SLU Artdatabanken, 2020).

Södra Midsjöbanken is deemed to be of no importance as a foraging area during

the breeding period, as the area is so far from the breeding sites that regular

flights to the area during the period are considered unlikely (Ottvall Consulting AB,

2021b). The project area is also not considered to be within a significant migratory

route for birds, as only a few bird species in low numbers are estimated to pass

through the project area (Ottvall Consulting AB, 2022).

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BirdLife International has identified what are known as Important Bird and

Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) based on 20 criteria, including threatened species,

restricted-range species, species with unfavourable conservation status and large

congregations of birds (including migratory species) (BirdLife Sverige, 2021).

Södra Midsjöbanken is designated by BirdLife International as an Important Bird

and Biodiversity Area (IBA) with respect to large populations of black guillemots

and long-tailed ducks in winter: see Figure 18.

Figure 18. Important Bird Areas (IBA) at the planned wind farm (BirdLife Sverige,

2021).

6.7.2 Possible impacts During the construction and decommissioning phases, birds remaining in the area

such as when foraging may be temporarily affected indirectly or directly by

activities causing turbidity or noise. The presence of project-related vessels may

also have an impact.

During the operational phase, the wind turbines may constitute obstacles for birds

which, in the event of collision, may lead to mortality. The barrier effect may lead

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to a change in the feeding patterns of the birds concerned and their passage

through the area.

6.7.3 Delimitation As birds periodically occur in the project area and may be affected by the wind

farm, impacts of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases will be

further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

Any impact on the IBA area will be further investigated in the forthcoming EIA.

6.8 Bats

6.8.1 Baseline description 19 bat species have been found in Sweden, and there is wide variation in how the

species are distributed geographically throughout the country and how they

behave. Several species migrate in autumn and spring, but only a few species are

generally thought to move around. Bats can also hunt over the sea, although they

do not make migratory flights over the sea, as has been observed in several

locations. Studies show that migratory species congregate at specific outbound

points in autumn and wait for good weather conditions before flying over the sea,

but otherwise follow the land and coast as far as possible. There is also migration

of bats in spring (Calluna, 2021).

In the case of bat migration, for example, the common noctule, soprano

pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, serotine bat, northern bat, pond bat and

Daubenton’s bat have been reported at sea (Calluna, 2021). Most of these

sightings were closer to the coast than the project area. However, a previous

survey at Södra Midsjöbanken shows that the bats pass over the open sea and

that at least two species, the Nathusius’ pipistrelle and the parti-coloured bat,

both of which are known long-distance migrants, have been found at Södra

Midsjöbanken (Eriksson et al., 2013; Calluna, 2021). The closest coastline from

the project area is the Öland coast, about 70 km away. The occurrence of bats is

therefore expected to be relatively limited in the project area.

All bat species are protected under Section 4 of the Species Protection Ordinance,

which means a general ban on deliberately capturing, killing, harming or

disturbing the animals. The prohibition in the Species Protection Ordinance also

includes damage to animal habitats. Several species are red-listed according to

the Swedish Red List, such as the pond bat, serotine bat and northern bat, which

are listed as ‘near threatened’, and the lesser noctule and common pipistrelle,

which are listed as ‘vulnerable’ (SLU Artdatabanken, 2020).

6.8.2 Possible impacts Bats can potentially be affected by the wind farm mainly during operation by

collision with the wind turbine blades, or by being caught in a wind current and

sucked behind the blades, resulting in a pressure drop that can cause internal

bleeding in bats. The risk of bats being affected by wind turbines varies between

species. Among the high-risk species to be affected by the wind turbines are those

that hunt insects over large open areas and those that may have their migration

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routes past the project area. Bats can stop and examine wind turbines out at sea

and in the absence of other structures, wind turbines can be particularly attractive

for bats to use for resting during a long flight over the Baltic Sea (Calluna, 2021).

6.8.3 Delimitation As bats may occur in the project area and may potentially be affected by the

planned wind farm, impacts of the construction, operational and decommissioning

phases on bats will be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

6.9 Cultural environment and marine archaeology

6.9.1 Baseline description As humans have been travelling on the Baltic Sea for about 10,000 years, traces

of cultural history may still be present under the surface of the sea. These remains

include wrecks, buildings or historically important environments such as

settlements. The Baltic Sea has been, and still is, a well-travelled sea that hides

many wrecks on the seabed from different historical periods. The absence of

shipworm in the Baltic Sea has also meant that many of these wrecks have been

preserved over the years (Vrak, 2021).

According to the Cultural Environment Act, remains from before 1850 are

considered ancient remains. There are no known cultural historical remains within

the project area: see Figure 19.

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Figure 19. Cultural historical remains at the project area (Riksantikvarieämbetet, 2022).

6.9.2 Possible impacts A marine archaeological survey will be carried out in the project area at a later

stage to ascertain the presence and nature of any remains in the area. Any

remains found will be avoided so as to avoid possible impacts, and protective

measures will be observed during the construction, decommissioning and

operational phases.

6.9.3 Delimitation A marine archaeological survey will be carried out in the project area at a later

stage. Protective measures and consequences of the construction, operational and

decommissioning phases for any marine archaeological remains will be further

investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

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6.10 Outdoor recreation

6.10.1 Baseline description The project area is not covered by any national interest for outdoor recreation.

However, the sea is important for human well-being and quality of life and thus for

outdoor recreation, which provides opportunities for recreational activities such as

fishing, boating and diving. Outdoor recreation includes experiences linked to the

cultural environment, such as wreck diving, or the natural environment such as

protected marine areas.

6.10.2 Possible impacts The wind farm will produce two types of noise during the operational phase:

mechanical (including the gearbox in the hub) and aerodynamic (the movement of

the rotor blades through the air). The project area is located about 70 km south of

the coast of Öland, which means that the distance is so great that it is most likely

only passing boats will be able to perceive the change in sound and the experience

of a changed landscape in the area.

During the construction and decommissioning phases, vessels connected to the

project will operate in the affected area, which may affect the accessibility of other

boats. Safety zones will be ensured for the wind turbines, as well as for some

associated project vessels, during all three project phases.

The majority of recreational boats will not be affected by the project in the

affected area as they are mainly located closer to the coast.

6.10.3 Delimitation Impacts on outdoor recreation will be further investigated and assessed in the

forthcoming EIA.

6.11 Human health

6.11.1 Baseline description Wind farms can generate noise and shadows that can affect human health. The

project area is located in open water, about 70 km south of the coast of Öland.

6.11.2 Possible impacts The wind farm will produce two types of noise during the operational phase:

mechanical (including the gearbox in the hub) and aerodynamic (the movement of

the rotor blades through the air). As the wind farm is located at a great distance

from Öland, no homes will be affected by airborne noise during the operational

phase.

During the operational phase, the wind farm will generate both stationary and

moving shadow effects from the towers and the rotating rotor blades. No dwellings

will be affected by the shadow effects of the project area as there is a great

distance from the wind farm to the nearest dwellings, which are located on Öland.

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6.11.3 Delimitation The impact of the wind farm on human health will not be addressed further in the

forthcoming EIA, as there is a great distance from the nearest coast to the project

area.

6.12 Shipping and fairways

6.12.1 Baseline description The traffic routes on the sea that are usually marked with solid black lines on

charts are known as fairways. The Swedish Maritime Administration is responsible

for accessibility, availability and safety in Swedish coastal waters for infrastructure

at sea (development and maintenance).

The fairways through Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna are both extensive and

used by various types of vessels, including fishing boats, passenger vessels,

tankers and cargo vessels. Vessel traffic also occurs outside designated fairways

(Sweco, 2022b).

There is a main fairway to the north of the project area, at its closest point about

8 km away, which is mainly used by large vessels such as cargo, tanker and

passenger vessels. There is a small fairway to the south-west of the site, about 7

km away, which is mainly used by passenger, unidentified and cargo vessels.

Around 900 vessels passed through the planned wind farm area, mainly cargo

vessels and unidentified vessel types, between 2020 and 2021. According to the

Swedish Maritime Administration’s reporting system for AIS information, about

42,000 vessels passed between Öland and Södra Midsjöbanken in 2015. There is

also extensive shipping south of Södra Midsjöbanken. Another main fairway runs

about 40 km north-west of the project area (Sweco, 2022b).

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Figure 20. Illustration of vessel traffic (AIS data) inside and outside the project area between May 2020 and April 2021. The green line indicates northbound traffic, and the orange line indicates southbound traffic. © Swedish Maritime Administration permit no 21-02646.

6.12.2 Possible impacts Different types of vessels related to the project will operate in the area of the

planned wind farm during the construction and decommissioning phases, and this

could affect nearby shipping.

Safety zones will be ensured for project-related vessels during the construction

and decommissioning phases, as well as during the operational phase for any

repairs or maintenance within the wind farm. During the operational phase, a

safety zone will be established around the wind turbines, including during the

construction and decommissioning of structures that could affect shipping.

An impact on boats sailing outside existing fairways cannot be excluded, as the

wind farm constitutes a more or less permanent obstacle to maritime traffic in

part of the area during the operational phase.

6.12.3 Delimitation The impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases on

shipping and fairways will be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming

EIA.

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6.13 Commercial fishing

6.13.1 Baseline description According to the Marine Plan, the western part of Hoburgs bank och

Midsjöbankarna (area Ö245) is designated as a commercial fishing area. The

planned wind farm is outside the national interest area for commercial fishing: see

section 6.1.6.

In the project area and neighbouring sub-areas, commercial fishing is carried out

mainly by countries such as Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Latvia, Estonia and

Lithuania (Marine Monitoring AB, 2022) Herring and sprat are two of the species

with the highest EU quotas in the Baltic Sea (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten,

2022e). The herring in the project area forms part of the central Baltic Sea stock,

excluding the Gulf of Riga. Sweden accounted for the largest share of catches in

2020 with 26%, followed by Poland and Finland, which accounted for around 20%

and 18% of catches respectively. For sprat, Sweden accounted for only 15% of

Baltic catches in 2020 (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022a).

Swedish commercial fishing takes place both along the coast and out at sea and

consists mainly of smaller fishing boats but also a smaller number of larger

vessels. The fishing method varies according to the size and type of vessel, the

species of fish and whether the area is coastal or offshore. In general nets, pots,

cages, trawls and pelagic fishing gear are used (Marine Monitoring AB, 2022).

Swedish commercial fishing takes place to a large extent south of the planned

wind farm and consists almost exclusively of trawling. The proportion of recorded

catches is lower in the Natura 2000 area compared to neighbouring sites. There is

a small amount of trawling to the west of the area, and a small amount of net

fishing just to the east of the area, within Södra Midsjöbanken. In the project

area, there have been only a small number of registrations for trawling and net

fishing. Trawl catches consisted mainly of sprat and herring, but also cod. The

catches in nets consisted mainly of cod and turbot, but flounder, plaice and

mackerel were also present. In the areas around the planned wind farm, the total

catch weight for the years 2015-2019 consisted of 87% herring and sprat, 9% cod

and 2% flounder (Marine Monitoring AB, 2022).

6.13.2 Possible impacts During the construction, decommissioning and operational phases, access to

certain locations within the project area may need to be restricted as this poses a

safety risk: see section 6.12. Restrictions may be placed on different fishing

methods as the project will change the conditions for commercial fishing in the

project area.

During the construction and decommissioning phases, turbidity and possible

release of contaminants from sediments into the water may affect water quality.

This may cause behavioural changes in fish, which may indirectly affect their

tendency to be caught.

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Underwater noise associated with the construction and decommissioning phases

can also cause behavioural changes in fish, potentially affecting their tendency to

be caught.

6.13.3 Delimitation The impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases on

commercial fishing will be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming

EIA.

6.14 Military areas

6.14.1 Baseline description The planned wind farm is not located in any openly declared area of national

interest within the military component of total defence: see section 6.1.5. About

11 km south of the project area is a designated military area for underwater

exercises for Germany, Denmark and Sweden (EMODnet, 2022): see Figure 21.

Information on military interests in the area is expected to be highlighted during

the consultation process.

Figure 21. Military areas around the planned wind farm (EMODnet, 2022).

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6.14.2 Possible impacts The project area is not located within any openly designated training area.

Potential impacts may occur during the construction and decommissioning phases

for those national interests for total defence that are not declared in the area.

Project-related shipping may then pose an obstacle to any military exercises that

may be carried out in the area during the construction and decommissioning

phases. The offshore wind farm is a permanent structure in the area during the

operational phase, which may affect possible military activities.

6.14.3 Delimitation The impact of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases on

military interests and possible coexistence between stakeholders will be further

investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

6.15 Infrastructure

6.15.1 Baseline description Offshore wind farms, cables, pipelines, aviation and even airborne radio signals

may be present within and in the vicinity of the planned wind farm.

Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 are two natural gas pipelines located about 25

km from the project area. NordBalt is a submarine cable for heavy current located

about 4 km north of the wind farm area (EMODnet, 2022; TeleGeography, 2022;

HELCOM, 2022).

There is active sand mining activity at Södra Midsjöbanken, within the Polish

Economic Zone.

The nearest offshore wind farm is Kårehamn, located about 140 km north of Södra

Victoria. Arkona, Wikinger and Kriegers flak are offshore wind farms located about

200 km south-west of Södra Victoria in the German and Danish Economic Zones

(4coffshore, 2022; EMODnet, 2022; Länsstyrelserna, 2022).

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Figure 22. Infrastructure around the planned wind farm (EMODnet, 2022; HELCOM, 2022; Länsstyrelserna, 2022).

6.15.2 Possible impacts Existing cables or pipelines on the seabed may be damaged during the

construction and decommissioning phases if protective measures are not taken.

The possibility of maintenance on existing cables or pipelines may be temporarily

limited within the project area during the construction and decommissioning

phases. Any structures left behind during the removal of the wind farm may affect

planned installations.

Airborne radio signals may be affected by the wind farm, including both

transmission and reception of signals.

The wind farm represents a series of new structures at sea, so it may pose a

safety risk to aviation, such as collision risk. There is a great distance to the

nearest wind farms, so no impact from the planned wind farm is expected.

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6.15.3 Delimitation The impact of the construction and decommissioning phases on infrastructure will

be further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA. Relevant authorities

and activities will be consulted for radio signals and aviation. Flight obstacle

analysis will be developed at a later stage.

6.16 Monitoring stations

6.16.1 Baseline description Environmental monitoring stations for the Kust och hav [Coast and Sea] national

environmental monitoring programme are located around the planned wind farm

(Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, 2022). National environmental monitoring is

governed by set environmental objectives, legislative requirements, EU directives

and Sweden’s commitments under international conventions. There are also

environmental monitoring stations for hydroacoustics and trawling coordinated

through the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). These

surveys are carried out within ICES statistical rectangles, which may mean that

the location of the survey may vary within the rectangle from one year to the next

(ICES, 2014a; 2014b). ICES coordinates marine and coastal monitoring and

research and advises commissions and authorities on management issues (Havs-

och vattenmyndigheten, 2022c). No environmental monitoring stations are located

within the planned wind farm. The closest environmental monitoring station that

has had regular sampling (between 2017-2020) is station 1026, which surveys the

presence of harbour porpoises. This station is located about 27 km from the

planned wind farm.

6.16.2 Possible impacts During construction and decommissioning of the planned wind farm, turbidity,

sedimentation and possible release of pollutants will occur in the water mass

which could potentially affect environmental monitoring stations. During

construction, operation and decommissioning, underwater noise is generated

which could potentially affect hydroacoustic measurements.

6.16.3 Delimitation The impacts of the construction, operational and decommissioning phases will be

further investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

6.17 Raw material extraction sites

6.17.1 Baseline description Raw material extraction sites aim to extract sand or gravel from the seabed.

Södra Midsjöbanken offers opportunities for extraction of postglacial sand and

gravel. However, sand extraction is probably not possible as the area consists of

valuable ecosystems, and sand extraction is directed to other possible areas

according to the Marine Plan. Extraction of raw materials is not possible at

Hoburgs bank och Midsjöbankarna (SGU, 2015).

There is currently no carbon dioxide storage in the seabed in Sweden, but in

general, carbon dioxide is stored mainly on sedimentary bedrock, making the

south-eastern Baltic Sea a suitable area for possible carbon dioxide storage. The

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potential storage units in the south-eastern Baltic Sea are Faludden, När and

Viklau. The project area is located within the potential areas for carbon dioxide

storage (SGU, 2016).

6.17.2 Possible impacts The planned wind farm may pose a future obstacle in the area to possible

extraction of sand or gravel in Södra Midsjöbanken and carbon dioxide storage on

part of the seabed in south-eastern Baltic Sea storage units.

6.17.3 Delimitation As the designated area for extraction of raw materials in Södra Midsjöbanken is

not likely to be feasible, this will not be addressed further in the forthcoming EIA.

The impact of the planned wind farm on carbon dioxide storage will be further

investigated and assessed in the forthcoming EIA.

7. Landscape view

The visual impact of a wind farm depends on the design of the wind farm, the

dimensions of the wind turbines, the distance, the vantage point and the weather

conditions. The wind farm will not be visible from land because of the large

distance from land to the planned wind farm, which is at least 70 km from the

southern tip of Öland.

During the operation of the planned wind farm, the wind turbines will be equipped

with what is known as obstruction lighting so that they are visible even in the dark

out of consideration for the safety of aviation and shipping. The wind turbines will

be obstruction marked for aviation navigation purposes in accordance with the

Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations on obstruction lighting in TSFS 2020:88.

They will also be marked with maritime safety devices and markings for shipping

in the form of lights on the foundations or the lower part of the tower for shipping,

for example, in accordance with the Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations TSFS

2017:66. The transformer substation will also be marked during the operation of

the planned wind farm.

The impact of the planned wind farm on the landscape will not be investigated

further due to the long distance to land.

8. Marine Environment Directive and Water Framework

Directive

8.1 Marine Environment Directive The Marine Environment Directive is implemented in Swedish law through Chapter

5 of the Environmental Code and in the Marine Environment Ordinance

(2010:1341) and the Swedish Maritime and Water Agency’s Code of Statutes

(HVMFS) 2012:18. The Directive aims to achieve or maintain good environmental

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status in the seas of Europe. Environmental quality standards (EQS) for the

marine environment are used as legal instruments in order to maintain good

environmental status.

8.1.1 Good environmental status Good environmental status is characterised by 11 descriptors: see Table 3, in

Annex 2 to HVMFS 2012:18. The conditions under which good environmental

status is achieved are described by the criteria of each descriptor. Indicators must

be provided for each criterion (some are missing) that specify what is being

measured/studied in the environmental monitoring in order to assess compliance

with the criterion.

Table 3. The eleven descriptors of good environmental status.

Good environmental status

Descriptor 1. Biodiversity

Descriptor 2. Non-indigenous species

Descriptor 3. Commercially exploited fish and shellfish

Descriptor 4. Marine food webs

Descriptor 5. Eutrophication

Descriptor 6. Sea floor integrity

Descriptor 7. Permanent alteration of hydrographical conditions

Descriptor 8. Concentrations and effects of hazardous substances

Descriptor 9. Hazardous substances in fish and other marine foods

Descriptor 10. Marine litter

Descriptor 11. Underwater noise

The planned wind farm is located within the offshore waters of the Bornholm Sea

and Hanöbukten. Possible impacts on the descriptors and thus on the good

environmental status of the marine environment will be addressed in more detail

in the EIA.

8.1.2 Environmental quality standards for the marine environment EQSs have been defined for the marine environment in order to achieve good

environmental status. These can be sorted according to the five environmental

pressures shown in Table 4. Annex 3 to HVMFS 2012:18 contains EQSs for the

marine environment. Each EQS must have at least one indicator (some lack

additional indicators). Indicators are used in environmental monitoring

measurements/surveys in order to assess compliance with EQSs.

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Table 4. Five environmental pressures under which the various EQSs are classified.

Environmental pressures

A. Supply of nutrients and organic matter

B. Supply of hazardous substances

C. Biological disturbance

D. Physical disturbance

E. Litter and noise

Any impact on EQSs for the marine environment will be addressed in more detail

in the EIA.

9. Risk analysis

The company will include a risk analysis in the EIA to identify risks to shipping and

the area’s natural assets during construction, operation and decommissioning of

the Södra Victoria wind farm. This analysis also includes unplanned emissions in

the event of an accident and proposals for risk-mitigating measures. The analysis

will be based on the risk analysis included in the company’s application for a

Natura 2000 permit for the wind farm. The following main conclusions can be

drawn on the basis of the risk analysis:

• The Södra Victoria wind farm is not expected to cause a major increase in

risk in the area.

• The risk to shipping is not expected to increase significantly as a result of

the wind power installation. A small number of vessels that currently pass

through the planned wind power area will have to change course. The

crowding together of shipping caused by the wind farm is estimated to be

small.

• The risk to conservation values in the area increases slightly as a result of

a wind power installation at Södra Midsjöbanken. The consequences of an

accident resulting in an oil spill could be serious. However, the probability

of such an accident occurring is low.

• There are always certain risks associated with the establishment of a wind

farm, as the wind farm will create a new potential obstacle to maritime

traffic. Risk mitigation measures should therefore be taken.

Risk analysis and mitigation measures will be further described in the EIA.

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10. Cumulative effects

Potential cumulative effects on the environment and the surrounding area may

occur as a result of the company’s planned activities in combination with other

wind farms and other activities in the area.

According to Section 18 of the Environmental Assessment Ordinance (2017:966),

cumulative effects arising from the proposed activity in combination with other

activities that are currently carried out, have received a permit, or have been

notified and may be commenced must be reported.

Ongoing activities in the maritime area with which the planned activities could

potentially give rise to cumulative effects include shipping and mining activities in

the Polish Economic Zone at Södra Midsjöbanken. The company is not aware of

any licensed wind farms or other licensed or notified activities in the south-eastern

Baltic Sea that may have cumulative effects together with Södra Victoria.

Cumulative effects will be investigated and described in the forthcoming EIA.

11. Surveys and investigations

Various surveys and investigations will form the basis for the assessments carried

out for the forthcoming EIA. Further surveys and investigations may be carried out

if issues arise during the consultation that have not been considered previously.

These issues will then be developed in the EIA. The company’s completed and

planned surveys are presented below.

11.1 Completed RWE has extensive knowledge of the area and the environment in and around the

planned Södra Victoria wind farm from the company’s history of establishing

offshore wind power in Södra Midsjöbanken: see section 1.2. The surveys that

have been carried out for the planned Södra Victoria wind farm and that will form

the basis of the forthcoming EIA are presented below.

Alternative locations:

SWECO, 2022. Investigation of alternative locations for offshore wind farms.

Underwater noise:

Ramboll, 2020. Södra Victoria offshore wind farm. Part 1. Modelling of underwater

noise from geotechnical survey equipment.

Ramboll, 2021. Södra Victoria offshore wind farm. Part 2. Modelling of underwater

noise.

Sediment dispersion:

SWECO, 2022. Sediment dispersion during wind farm construction and cable

laying – Södra Victoria project.

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Bottom flora and fauna:

Ocean Ecology, 2022. Södra Victoria Offshore Wind Farm Benthic Characterisation

Survey 2021.

Fish and commercial fishing:

Marine Monitoring AB, 2022. Södra Victoria – Impact on fish communities and

commercial fishing.

Marine Monitoring AB, 2020. Investigation of pelagic fish in Södra Midsjöbanken

and their importance as a food source for harbour porpoises and sea birds.

Harbour porpoises:

Naturens Stemme, 2022. Possible impact of the offshore Södra Victoria wind farm

at Södra Midsjöbanken on the Baltic harbour porpoise.

BioConsult SH, 2021. Södra Victoria C-POD monitoring. Presence of harbour

porpoises (Jan.2020 – Dec. 2020).

BioConsult SH, 2022. Södra Victoria (formerly Södra Midsjöbanken). C-POD

monitoring. Presence of porpoises (Jan.2021 – Dec. 2021).

Birds

Ottvall consulting AB, 2022. Birds at Södra Midsjöbanken Occurrence of birds in

relation to planned wind power.

Ottvall consulting AB, 2021. Use of Södra Midsjöbanken by breeding bird

populations.

Ottvall consulting AB, 2022. Migratory birds at Södra Victoria in relation to

planned wind power.

Bats:

Calluna, 2021. Desk study on bats at Södra Midsjöbanken 2021 – Possible impact

on bat fauna from the planned wind farm on the basis of similar previous surveys.

Risk analysis:

SWECO, 2021. Risk analysis for wind power installation at Södra Midsjöbanken.

11.2 Planned Geophysical and geotechnical surveys, including drilling, will be carried out and

used as a basis for the detailed design of the planned wind farm, the final

selection of foundation techniques and the selection of cable laying methods in the

area of the wind farm and the cable corridor for the export cable. Permits for

these surveys will be examined in a separate exercise at a later stage.

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A marine archaeological survey will be carried out at a later stage within the

planned wind farm to ascertain the possible presence and type of remains in the

area.

12. Ongoing process

12.1 Schedule for the planned activities Provided that the necessary permits are obtained, the preliminary schedule for

construction, operation and decommissioning is expected to be as follows:

• Pre-construction surveys: approx. 1 year

• Construction work: approx. 2–4 years

• Operation: min. approx. 35 years

• Decommissioning: 1–2 years

12.2 Timetable for the permit process Figure 23 shows an example timetable for the permit process for review in

accordance with the Swedish Economic Zone Act and the Continental Shelf Act,

the reviews that are considered to be design factors for the schedule. The timing

of the various permit processes and their mutual order are not definite. The permit

processes are estimated to take a total of three to four years before the

construction phase can begin.

Figure 23. Example of a schematic schedule for the review process for a wind farm

in the Swedish Economic Zone.

12.3 Continued consultation process and reviews Before the wind farm is established, further consultations will be carried out with

relevant stakeholders and authorities after the current delimitation consultation

has been completed.

12.4 Adjustments during the EIA process As the consultation and EIA process proceeds, during which the conditions for

relevant aspects will be identified, it will be possible to make an early analysis of

the project’s expected environmental impact and gain an overall picture of its

consequences. This will provide a basis for progressively planning and designing

adjustments and protective measures in the project. The environmental

Consultation process

EIAs and technical description produced

Applications and EIAs sent to the

Government Update procedure

Announcement Consultation

procedure Decision by the

Government Start of

construction

55 of 61

adaptation carried out in the project through the environmental assessment

process will be described as a whole in the EIA document.

13. Content of the environmental impact assessment and

parties to be consulted

13.1 Delimitation of the environmental impact assessment Chapter 6, Section 35 of the Environmental Code states what an EIA must include.

The information to be included in an EIA must be of a scope and level of detail

that is reasonable in the light of current knowledge and assessment methods and

which is necessary to provide an overall assessment of the significant

environmental effects that the activity or measure is likely to have (Environmental

Code, Chapter 6, Section 37).

Table 5 summarises the delimitation proposed in Chapter 6.

Table 5. Proposed delimitation in the forthcoming EIA.

Aspect Addressed in EIA Comments

National interest: wind

energy

Yes

National interest:

nature conservation

and nature reserves

Presentation of baseline

conditions only

National interest:

cultural environment

Presentation of baseline

conditions only

National interest:

outdoor recreation

Presentation of baseline

conditions only

National interest: total

defence

Depending on the

outcome of the

consultation process

National interest:

commercial fishing

Yes

National interest:

shipping and fairways

Yes

Natura 2000 Presentation of baseline

conditions only

Natura 2000 assessment

for Hoburgs bank och

Midsjöbankarna is a

separate process. Long

distance to other Natura

2000 areas

International protection Yes

Depth conditions and

hydrology

Presentation of baseline

conditions only

Seabed conditions,

sediments and pollution

Presentation of baseline

conditions only

56 of 61

Aspect Addressed in EIA Comments

Bottom flora and fauna Yes

Fish Yes

Marine mammals Yes

Birds Yes

Bats Yes

Cultural environment

and

marine archaeology

Yes

Outdoor recreation Yes

Human health No Long distance to the coast

Shipping and fairways Yes

Commercial fishing Yes

Military areas Depending on the

outcome of the

consultation process

Infrastructure Yes

Monitoring stations Yes

Raw material extraction

sites

Yes Carbon dioxide storage

only

Landscape view No Long distance to the coast

Marine Environment

Directive and Water

Framework Directive

Yes

Risk analysis Yes

Cumulative effects Yes

RWE proposes the following structure and content for the EIS through the

proposed delimitation:

Non-technical summary

1. Administrative details

2. Introduction

3. Permit process and environmental assessment

4. Consultation

5. Delimitation

6. Options

7. Technical description

8. Location, planning conditions and national interests

9. Method for assessments

10. Impacts of planned activities

11. Baseline description, environmental impact and protective measures during

construction, operation and decommissioning

11.1. Bathymetry

11.2. Water quality and hydrography

11.3. Sediments and pollutants in sediments

11.4. Wind conditions

57 of 61

11.5. Soundscape

11.6. Bottom flora and fauna

11.7. Fish

11.8. Marine mammals

11.9. Birds

11.10. Bats

11.11. Protected natural areas

11.12. Heritage sites

11.13. Recreation and outdoor activities

11.14. Commercial fishing

11.15. Shipping and fairways

11.16. Installations and infrastructure

11.17. Military training areas

12. Cumulative effects

13. Transboundary impacts

14. Risk assessment

15. Climate and air emissions

16. Marine Environment Directive

17. Environmental objectives

18. Overall assessment

19. Protective measures

20. Competence in the EIA team

References

During the consultation, RWE welcomes comments on the forthcoming EIA scope

and format.

13.2 Parties consulted RWE proposes that the following individuals, authorities, organisations and others

be included in the consultation and contacted by email or post:

State and local authorities

National Board of Building, Planning

and Housing

Swedish Environmental Protection

Agency

Swedish Energy Agency Swedish Police Authority

National Defence Radio Establishment

Swedish Post and Telecom Authority

(companies with radio and

telecommunications connections)

Swedish Armed Forces Region Gotland

Swedish Agency for Marine and Water

Management Swedish National Heritage Board

Swedish Board of Agriculture Swedish Geotechnical Institute

Legal, Financial and Administrative

Services Agency Swedish Maritime Administration

Municipality of Kalmar SMHI

Municipality of Karlskrona

Swedish National Maritime and

Transport Museums

Swedish Coast Guard Svenska Kraftnät

58 of 61

Swedish Civil Aviation Administration Geological Survey of Sweden

Kalmar County Administrative Board Municipality of Torsås

Gotland County Administrative Board Swedish Defence Research Agency

Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency Swedish Transport Administration

Municipality of Mörbylånga Swedish Transport Agency

Swedish Museum of Natural History

Associations and organisations

3G Infrastructure Services AB (3GIS) Swedish Pelagic Federation

Producentorganisation (SPFPO)

BirdLife Sweden Svenska Båtunionen

Coalition Clean Baltic Svenska kryssarklubben

Föreningen Svensk Sjöfart Svenska UMTS Nät AB

Greenpeace Sveriges fiskares

Producentorganisation (SFPO)

Havs- och kustfiskarnas

producentorganisation (HKPO)

Association Ports of Sweden

Hi3G Access AB Chamber of Commerce and Industry of

Southern Sweden

Kalmar Airport Tele 2

Swedish Society for Nature

Conservation.

Telenor

Net 4 mobility Telia

Rönne Airport Teracom

Ronneby Airport Visby Airport

Swedish Anglers Association World Wide Fund for Nature WWF

Swedavia

Miscellaneous

Swedish Institute for the Marine

Environment

Kalmar Maritime Academy

Lund University Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre

Swedish University of Agricultural

Sciences

World Maritime University

Otherwise, the public and other stakeholders will be consulted via advertisements

in the daily press.

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Paldiski mnt 96/ Tallinn 13522/ 626 2802/ [email protected]/ www.envir.ee/

Registrikood 70001231

Vastavalt nimekirjale

04.10.2022 nr 6-3/22/4312-2

Rootsi „Södra Victoria” meretuulepargi projekti

piiriülene keskkonnamõju hindamine

Vastavalt piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise konventsioonile (Espoo konventsioonile) on

Rootsi teavitanud Eestit Läänemerre kavandatavast „Södra Victoria” meretuulepargi projektist.

Arendaja RWE Renewables Sweden AB kavandab püstitada Rootsi majandusvööndis

1500–2000 MW koguvõimsusega meretuulepargi, milles oleks maksimaalselt 100 tuulikut

maksimumkõrgusega 295 meetrit. Kirjale on lisatud ingliskeelne projekti ja selle elluviimisega

kaasnevat keskkonnamõju kirjeldav nn konsultatsioonidokument. Täiendavalt toome välja, et

varasemalt on arendaja (endise nimega E.ON Wind Sweden AB) kavandanud Södra Midsjöbanken

meretuulepargi projekti.

Lähtuvalt Rootsi määratud vastamistähtajast ootame 17. oktoobriks 2022 põhjendatud arvamusi

selle kohta, kas Eesti peaks osalema kõnealuse projekti piiriülese keskkonnamõju hindamise

menetluses. Juhul, kui peate vajalikuks Eesti osalemist menetluses, on oodatud ka arvamused selle

kohta, milline oluline kahjulik piiriülene keskkonnamõju võiks Eestile kaasneda, et arendaja saaks

sellega arvestada keskkonnamõju hindamise materjalide koostamisel.

Lugupidamisega

(allkirjastatud digitaalselt)

Kerli Kiili

Välissuhete osakonna juhataja

asekantsleri ülesannetes

Lisa: Konsultatsioonidokument

Rainer Persidski, 626 2973

[email protected]