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Energy developer Statoil has been granted a lease by The Crown Estate for the world’s largest floating windfarm project, meaning construction can begin later this year.
The 30MW Hywind pilot project will consist of five 6MW wind turbines deployed in deeper water than any previous offshore wind turbines around the coast of the UK.
Hywind secured consent from Marine Scotland last October, and Statoil has taken the final investment decision to construct the project.
Preliminary on-shore and near-shore works will commence later this year, and deployment of the turbines is due to begin in 2017, with first power being generated towards the end of that year.
The project builds on the success of the world’s first full-scale floating wind turbine, built off the Norwegian coast in 2009.
Hywind Scotland’s project director Leif Delp said: “We are very pleased to develop this project in Scotland, in a region with a huge wind resource and an experienced supply chain from oil and gas.”
General manager of The Crown Estate’s Scotland portfolio, Ronnie Quinn, said: “We have been working closely with Statoil, Scottish government and other partners to help bring forward this innovative project which helps consolidate the position of Scotland and the UK as a global leader in the offshore renewables sector.
“Hywind is the first of its kind in the world. Its successful operation will demonstrate the viability of floating wind in deep water locations and bring forward cost reduction techniques that will move the whole sector forward.
“By working to share best practice and deploying our expertise in seabed leasing, we’ve been able to support the development of emerging technologies, from floating wind to tidal current energy, placing Scotland in a very strong position to secure global investment in low carbon energy.”
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “With the right political support for offshore wind and other technologies, Scotland is well placed to become the EU’s first renewable electricity nation.
“However, if this is to happen then the forthcoming review of Scotland’s energy strategy must also include steps to improve energy efficiency, manage demand, and increase energy storage as well as interconnectors.”
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