Ocean Winds, Aker Submit Joint Bid for 6GW Offshore Wind in Scotland

Spain-based Ocean Winds and Norway-based Aker Offshore Wind have submitted joint bids worth 6 GW for the development of floating offshore wind projects in the ScotWind leasing round.

The joint venture has submitted bids for several sites in the Outer Moray Firth for offshore wind farms as part of the ScotWind process, which was accepting applications until July 16. The companies have said that their partnership will create thousands of jobs and deliver a “giant boost for Scotland’s supply chain and the economy with exportable technology innovation.”

The companies will use steel-based semi-submersible floaters called Windfloat, a technology that was developed by US floating wind specialist Principle Power Inc., in which Aker Offshore and Ocean Winds have a majority stake.

The project is designed to enable businesses in Scotland to ramp up ahead of production, with a commitment to 40% minimum supply chain content in Scotland and 60% in the UK. Mapping and engaging has already resulted in agreements with suppliers to enable early investment priorities. The proposals will be outlined at the Floating Offshore Wind 2021 conference in Aberdeen, hosted by RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables, which starts on September 15.

Sian Lloyd-Rees, managing director of Aker Offshore Wind UK, said: “We can create thousands of highly-skilled local jobs through billions of pounds of investment in local supply chains and infrastructure.” He added, “Our bid would deliver for the next generation by harnessing the green power and extraordinary potential of Scotland’s deepwater resources. Floating offshore wind is the next step in the renewable revolution, and we’re delighted to partner with Ocean Winds to unveil our ambitious plan for Scotland’s future.”

Dan Finch, managing director of Ocean Winds UK, said: “The transition to net zero means that we need to open new areas of the sea for offshore wind development. “Our vision is leading the world’s commercial scale delivery of floating offshore wind in Scotland so that Scotland can lead the world in floating foundation manufacture and export,” he added. Ocean Winds developed Scotland’s largest wind farm, the 950MW Moray East facility.