By Alexander Quayle, Project Director, Flotation Energy and Chris Hill, UK Managing Director, Vårgrønn
With over 2,600 wind turbines in UK waters and 13.7 of gigawatts of power – a number only surpassed globally by China – the UK offshore wind story is, so far, a success in terms of energy produced. However, the UK has missed a trick in maximising the associated jobs: France and Denmark are leading Europe’s production of offshore wind turbine blades; Spain leads in manufacturing turbine towers; and foundations and electrical substations are increasingly produced in Asia. Floating wind technology now offers the UK a new chance to drive job creation in offshore wind.
The developers of two floating wind farms secured as part of the INTOG leasing round have signed exclusivity agreements, paving the way for development later this decade.
Floating offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for Scotland’s economy and labour force, with many tens of gigawatts of development expected over the coming decades. The initial leasing rounds for offshore wind provide promising foundations to build off. But we will only succeed in realising Scotland’s full potential as a world-leader in floating offshore wind if Scotland urgently invests in a local supply chain.
Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn have filed a scoping report for the Cenos floating wind project, their second INTOG venture aimed at powering offshore oil and gas assets.
The backers of the Green Volt floating wind farm off Peterhead have submitted a key marine application ahead of a licensing award, as they look to deliver the project by the middle of the decade.
Flotation Energy is consulting on potential onshore cable routes that would link its proposed Green Volt floating wind farm with the National Grid, making landfall at Peterhead.
Scotland has ambitious targets for its energy production. With the aim of half of our energy to be supplied from renewable sources by 2030 and for the country’s energy system to be decarbonised by 2050, this is going to need both bold and swift action. Core to the approach will be sourcing trusted partnerships which will ensure timely and effective delivery.