Photo: Buchan Offshore WindBuchan Offshore Wind, which is developing a major floating offshore wind farm 75km to the northeast of Fraserburgh on the Aberdeenshire coast (seabed development rights for this were secured from
Crown Estate Scotland as part of the ScotWind leasing process in 2022), has reached a major milestone by submitting its offshore consent applications to Scottish Ministers for the project.
With an anticipated capacity of close to 1GW and a connection date of 2033, the wind farm would have up to 70 turbines and offers the potential to power more than 1 million homes. Moreover, its development would see more than £900 million invested in Scotland’s manufacturing sector and supply chain, with around 2,900 jobs in Scotland at the peak of construction and close to 300 ongoing jobs during operation.
The project has identified BW Ideol’s patented ‘Damping Pool’ floating substructure as its preferred foundation option, with this developer of floating offshore platforms (established in 2010) working to establish a manufacturing centre at the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility being developed at the former oil and gas fabrication yard on the Moray Firth; and while the project has yet to select its operations base, a number of ports in the north-east of Scotland are being considered for its operations and maintenance hub.
World-leading floating offshore wind farmClare Lavelle, the Buchan Offshore Wind project director, said: “Our vision is to develop a world-leading floating offshore wind farm that will deliver large-scale manufacturing in Scotland, support thousands of new jobs, and drive progress towards the UK’s and Scotland’s offshore wind targets. We are committed to manufacturing our floating substructures in Scotland, which would drive a significant proportion of the project’s positive economic impacts.
Over the past three years, the project team has hosted nine public events, engaging with residents across Aberdeenshire and the Buchan coast, as well as meeting with businesses and organisations across the region. These events have provided vital opportunities for local people to contribute to the project’s development, in order to reflect regional priorities and deliver long-term social and environmental benefits.
“Submission of our offshore consent application is a critical milestone in unlocking the significant inward investment this ambitious project will bring, and we would encourage everyone with an interest in the project to view and comment on our application.”
Later this year Buchan Offshore Wind will also submit a planning application for onshore works to Aberdeenshire Council, detailing the project’s underground cable route and connection to the existing transmission network at Peterhead substation.