The selection of the proposed landfall site, underground cable corridor and converter station site is underway. The cables will make landfall at a proposed location south of Harwich – the final location is still to be determined within the landfall zone. Tarchon has identified a 600 metre wide corridor, with different route options being explored. To minimise disturbance, this initial corridor represents the shortest route between the converter station zone and the landfall zone. The converter station is proposed to be within a 5km radius east of the EACN, this is to avoid electrical losses and reduce excessive cabling.

The Tarchon project will complete detailed Environmental impact assessments (EIA’s). Should any significant impacts be identified through this process mitigation measures will be proposed. A range of surveys will be undertaken at the converter station site; along the proposed cable corridor, and at the proposed landfall location. These surveys will be undertaken during species-specific survey periods from March 2025 to Summer 2026.

Identification of an offshore HVDC cable corridor is underway. We are currently appraising potential options by following best practice guidance where it is available, for example from The Crown Estate and from National Grid. We are also in discussion with key stakeholders such as the Harwich Haven Authority, fisheries organisation and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to confirm the optimal route. Through this work Tarchon is aware of the constraints in this area of the North Sea which include the complexity of shipping operations and fishing activities. Tarchon is working with other developers, particularly proposed offshore wind farms and other cable developments, to minimise cumulative impacts on the area.

This year, Tarchon will conduct a series of surveys that will analyse the seabed and sub-seabed composition as well as the marine environment to inform the best option for laying and protection of the interconnector cable. After the surveys are completed, detailed design and micro siting of the cable corridor route will take place.

Tarchon is committed to working with local leaders, businesses and the community throughout the construction and operation of the project. We are engaging with many stakeholders, including but not limited to; local community leaders, parish and district councillors, MPs and organisations such as Natural England, MMO as well as landowners, farmers, fishers and port authorities to inform the project development. We are committed to creating long term, tangible community benefits as part of the project development, such as improving skills and education locally. We will complete social value and economic assessments to inform our plans and create meaningful opportunities for the community. Tarchon will use the experience of other CIP projects to develop initiatives.