Talisman Energy announces renewable energy on stream for Beatrice

Talisman Energy (UK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inc., has announced first power from the Beatrice Wind Farm Demonstrator Project. The joint venture between Talisman and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) is a central part of DOWNViND (Distant Offshore Wind Farms No Visual Impact iN Deepwater).

The 85 metre high 5MW turbine, the largest in offshore deepwater, will be used to generate electricity for the nearby Beatrice platform, 25 kilometres off the east coast of Scotland. A second turbine will be installed nearby in the summer to complete the project. "We are making history with the first electricity being generated by this offshore deepwater turbine," said Talisman Energy Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Jim Buckee. "This achievement is a huge milestone in the DOWNViND project.

"We look forward to installing the second turbine this summer in order that the Demonstrator Project can become fully operational, and in doing so help prolong the life of the Beatrice oil field. It is an inspiring example of the interface that is possible between the oil and gas business and the renewable energy industry."

DOWNViND, which includes 18 different organizations from six European countries is one of the European Community's largest renewable energy research and development programs and is designed to ensure that Europe is well positioned to take a global lead in developing deepwater offshore wind farms.

Over a period of time the feasibility of large scale offshore wind farm developments will be assessed. This will establish the technical performance and economic viability of large scale developments. Only when this analysis has been completed would Talisman examine the potential for a large scale offshore wind farm.

Funding for the project was provided by a variety of organizations, including the European Community (EUR 6 million), the Scottish Executive (Pounds Sterling 3 million) and UK Department for Trade and Industry (Pounds Sterling 3 million). The remainder of the funding came from Talisman and SSE, augmented by contributions in kind from many of the participants.