How Sagentia Aviation Secured CAA Approval for SSE’s Berwick Bank Wind Farm

Background and requirement

The SSE Berwick Bank Wind Farm, their flagship renewable energy project in the Outer Firth of Forth, faced a complex challenge: mitigating its impact on air traffic control (ATC) radar while navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. Initially launched under CAP 1616 Issue 4, the project transitioned to the newly released CAP 1616h in early 2024. This required adaptability, deep regulatory expertise, and a proactive approach to airspace management. Sagentia Defence was uniquely positioned to guide this transition. 

SSE’s Berwick Bank Wind Farm, projected to be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world, needed to secure CAA approval for airspace changes to ensure continued safety and efficiency of ATC services. The transition from CAP 1616 Issue 4 to the newly released CAP 1616h presented a significant hurdle. This not only required understanding the existing regulations but also anticipating and adapting to the new guidance. Failure to achieve compliance under the updated framework would have jeopardised the project’s planning consent and timeline. 

Approach

Sagentia Aviation, recognised for our deep understanding of aviation regulations and our proactive approach to problem-solving, guided Berwick Bank through this complex regulatory shift. Our team possessed the expertise to effectively implement the new guidance from the outset, streamlining the approval process. While the core airspace mitigation solution – a sensible and effective approach guided by CAP 764 – remained consistent, our team ensured all documentation and processes aligned with CAP 1616h’s objectives. Leveraging our expertise, we developed a comprehensive 4-part safety case, adhering to best practices outlined in CAP 760 for hazard Identification and satisfying CAP 670 requirements for Air Traffic Services Safety. This meticulous approach, while standard practice for Osprey, ensured a smoother and more efficient CAA review process, minimising potential delays.  

Our methodology included: 

• Regulatory Transition Management: Expert guidance on navigating the shift from CAP 1616 Issue 4 to CAP 1616h. 

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Proactive engagement with key stakeholders, including NATS and the MOD, ensuring transparency and alignment throughout the project lifecycle. 

• Comprehensive 4-Part Safety Case Development: Adherence to CAP 760 and CAP 670 best practices to ensure a robust and readily reviewable safety case. 

• Solution Optimisation: Refinement of the radar blanking and TMZ solution, guided by CAP 764, to maximise effectiveness and minimise impact on ATC operations. 

Outcome

Sagentia Aviation successfully secured CAA approval for the proposed airspace changes – a landmark achievement for Berwick Bank. This approval, achieved under the newly released CAP 1616h, demonstrates Sagentia Aviation’s ability to effectively leverage new guidance and adhere to established best practices for timely and efficient approval process. Our meticulous approach and deep regulatory expertise ensured a smooth CAA review, contributing to the project’s successful progression.