Scottish floating wind farm clears hurdle

Dounreay Trì's proposed floating wind farm demonstration project offshore the north of Scotland has been approved by Highland Council, taking the project a step closer to approval by Scottish Ministers.

According to the Renewables Obligation Scheme, which the wind farm will operate, under the government has to take a decision by 31 March for the project to proceed. 

The twin turbine project would be capable of generating 10 MW of electricity, enough to power around 8000 homes. By opening up the deeper waters off the north and west coast of Scotland, new floating wind farms can make a significant contribution to helping Scotland meet its renewable energy targets, says Dounreay Tri. 

Marcus Thor, Project Director for Dounreay Trì said: “This demonstration facility which will be built and operated in Scotland opens up the possibility for a significant increase in offshore wind generation and  associated supply chain benefits in Scotland.”

Dounreay Trì was created by Swedish design and engineering company Hexicon for the sole purpose of demonstrating Hexicon’s semi-submersible foundation for offshore wind power, off Dounreay, Scotland

The Dounreay Trì Floating Wind Demonstration Project shall consist of:

• A single semi-submersible platform and two wind turbines with a total capacity of 8 to 12 MW approximately 6 km off Dounreay, Scotland; 
• A single export cable to bring the power to shore; and
• The associated onshore electrical infrastructure to connect the Project at, or near, the existing substation at Dounreay.

The project is planned to be operational by the summer of 2018.