Floating offshore windfarm approved

Planning consent for an eight turbine 6MW offshore wind farm around 15 km south-east of Aberdeen has been granted by Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, MSP.

The floating development by Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Limited will:

• Support the creation of around 110 jobs during assembly, installation and through ongoing operations and maintenance activities
• Have a generating capacity up to a maximum of 50 MW – enough to power the equivalent of almost 56,000 homes
• Prevent CO2 emissions of more than 94,500 tonnes per year

Mr Wheelhouse said: “Once operational, this pioneering, 50MW Kincardine Offshore Windfarm will produce enough electricity to power almost 56,000 homes and will create jobs and investment across Scotland through the use of our supply chain. It will also cement our place as one of the world’s leading nations in the innovation and deployment of floating offshore wind. If the technology can be demonstrated at scale, it has huge potential to help Scotland meet its energy needs and to develop a supply chain that can service opportunities elsewhere in Europe and in markets such as South East Asia and North America.

“Our commitment to supporting low carbon energy is outlined in our new draft Energy Strategy which sets out next steps and how we will continue to transition to a low carbon economy, with the offshore wind sector to take an increasingly influential role.

“With 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential, and through development with due regard to our natural environment, Scotland is uniquely and strongly positioned to maximise the economic and environmental benefits that the technology can deliver, which will help us progress towards our carbon emission reduction targets.” 

Background

Kincardine Offshore Windfarm will  be located approximately 15 km south-east of the coast of Aberdeen, with a permitted generating capacity up to 50 MW and will be comprised of eight three-bladed horizontal axis Wind Turbine Generators.