One of the world’s largest floating windfarms will be built off the coast of Aberdeenshire after the project was given the green light by the Scottish Government.
Green Volt – a 50-50 joint venture between Aberdeen-based Flotation Energy and Norwegian firm Vårgrønn – is Europe’s first commercial-scale floating windfarm.
The project is set to create hundreds of green jobs in the North-east and will unlock up to £3billion worth of investment, according to Sir Ian Wood, who has hailed the approval as a ‘massive boost’ for the region.
Once completed, Green Volt will include up to 35 floating wind turbines off the coast of Peterhead, generating up to 560 MW of renewable energy.
As part of Crown Estate Scotland’s Innovation and Targeted Oil & Gas (INTOG) leasing round, the project will also deliver renewable electricity to oil and gas platforms, replacing existing natural gas and diesel power generation. Green Volt will also provide electricity to the UK grid.
Powered by the North-east
Nicol
Stephen, CEO at Flotation Energy, said: “It
is fantastic to have received the green light to deliver the world’s biggest
floating offshore wind project, right here in the Scottish North Sea.
“This
major milestone places Flotation Energy and our Joint Venture Partner,
Vårgrønn, firmly at the heart of the energy transition.
“Gaining
consent just over a year after our seabed exclusivity was awarded is a
testament to the commitment, speed and determination of our Green Volt team,
the Scottish Government and its key agencies.
“Green
Volt is of international significance, placing Scotland at the leading edge of
a new floating wind sector. This multi-billion pound development can now move
forward confidently, creating hundreds of local jobs and proving that the UK
and Scottish supply chain is ready to deliver commercial scale floating
projects, at pace.
“Flotation
Energy is headquartered in Scotland with its roots firmly in Aberdeen and the
North-east. We are already drawing on the world class energy skills and
experience of the region - and now look forward to doing far more.”
Olav Hetland, CEO at Vårgrønn,
said: “With Green
Volt being Europe’s first commercial-scale floating wind project, achieving
offshore consent for the project marks an important moment for the whole
offshore wind industry. At 560 MW, Green Volt serves as an essential stepping
stone from current small-scale projects to gigawatt-size developments,
supporting the supply chain in scaling up new technology.
“Floating
wind is set to be a huge global market in the decades to come. By being a
frontrunner, Scotland is now positioned to be home to world-leading expertise
and a whole industry of new jobs. Green Volt will deploy pioneering technology
at an unprecedented scale, advancing what is possible in renewable energy.”
£3billion investment
The project has been welcomed by Sir Ian Wood, who believes it will unlock substantial investment for the region.
“The awarding of consent for the Green Volt
INTOG project is a massive boost for Scotland’s ambition to be a global leader
in floating offshore wind," he said.
"This decision will unlock around £3billion
of investment, generate hundreds of jobs and will effectively result in
Europe’s first commercial scale floating wind development. Crucially, it
also sends a huge signal to domestic and international investors that
Scotland is indeed a pioneer in this technology and the ideal location to
manufacture and deliver floating wind developments.
“This announcement is particularly positive
for the North-east given Flotation Energy, the co-developers of Green Volt,
have a strong presence in Aberdeen and are actively exploring supply chain
contracts for the development of this project benefitting companies with
existing operations in the city.
“I pay tribute to the Scottish Government and
its agencies for taking this welcome decision which follows the opening of the
world’s first Floating Wind Innovation Centre in Aberdeen by the First Minister
last month.
"With one of the largest concentrations of subsea engineering
capabilities anywhere in the world and the largest cluster of energy supply
chain companies anywhere in the UK, there truly is no better location than the
North East of Scotland to invest in low carbon technologies.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf also welcomed the news, adding: “It is great news that we have consented the first project in the Crown Estate Scotland’s Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round – this is a significant milestone which will help secure Scotland’s place at the forefront of floating wind technology.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to develop offshore wind and its supply chain, and we are determined to maximise the huge economic opportunity offshore wind can bring.”