Moray Offshore Renewables Ltd today welcomed news that the Scottish Government has awarded it consent for the construction and operation of 1.116MW of offshore wind generation in the Outer Moray Firth.
The project, which, on conservative estimates of the wind resource available, will be capeable of meeting the equivalent electricity needs of around 700.000 UK households, consists of the Telford, Stevenson and MacColl offshore windfarms, which are planned for construction 14 miles (22km) from the Caithness coastline.
João Manso Neto, CEO of EDP Renováveis said:
“This is a critical step not only in the delivery of this project, but in the development of offshore wind in deeper water, further from shore.
“This project will provide the UK with a significant new generation resource at a time when many ageing thermal powerstations are coming off-line, generation capacity is shrinking, and gas prices are rising. It will deliver improved security of supply, and greater insulation for consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices.
Benjamín Palomo, Executive Director of Repsol Gas & Power said:
“We are delighted that the Moray Firth offshore wind farm has been granted consent by Marine Scotland. The project represents a substantial investment and will bring significant benefits not only to the United Kingdom as a country, but also to the local economy through construction and operation. We will continue ensuring that we power our economies with clean, secure energy for many years to come.”
Dan Finch, Project Director for Moray Offshore Renewables and EDPR UK Country Manager, said:
“I would like to thank all of the people who have worked with us and engaged with the project to develop sustainable proposals which can be delivered without adversely affecting the environment, and which will allow offshore wind to develop alongside the long-established industries of the Moray Firth.
“We look forward to engaging with businesses who will be able to take advantage of the new market which offshore wind development will bring, and will be announcing a series of industry engagement events in the Moray Firth area to encourage the development of a competitive, innovative supply chain.
Ronnie Quinn, The Crown Estate’s lead on Energy & Infrastructure in Scotland, said:
“This is the second largest offshore wind project to be consented in the UK, reflecting the drive and expertise of the Scottish renewables industry. This development should help the UK retain a global lead in offshore wind and create plenty opportunities for Scottish businesses to benefit from the growth in low carbon energy. Our team stands ready to support this project as it progresses.”
Moray Offshore Renewables Limited (MORL) was formed as a joint venture company owned 67% by EDP Renewables (EDPR) and 33% by Repsol Nuevas energias UK Limited (Repsol) with the aim of developing offshore wind generation in the outer Moray Firth. MORL was awarded the rights to develop offshore wind in the Outer Moray Firth as a development partner of The Crown Estate as part of the Third Round of Offshore Wind Licensing.
The main points of the development include:
- Total installed generation capacity: 1116 MW
- Total Number of turbines: up to 62 turbines of 6MW to 8MW capacity on each of three sites
- Total Area – 295km2
- Maximum turbine blade-tip height - 204m (669 feet)
- Minimum distance from shore – 22km (13.5 miles)
The projected development is expected to be able to supply the equivalent electricity needs to 688 000 UK households on the basis of average annual electricity consumption.
Peak employment during construction is projected to be up to 2,400 jobs in Scotland.
During the operational lifetime of the project, up to 330 Scottish jobs will be supported by operation and maintenance activities.
EDP Renewables (Euronext: EDPR), headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is a global leader in the renewable energy sector that designs, develops, manages and operates power plants that generate electricity using renewable energy sources. With a sound development pipeline, first class assets and market-leading operating capacity, EDPR has undergone exceptional development in recent years.
Repsol is an integrated oil and gas company with presence in more than thirty countries, employing over 24,000 people. Repsol is present along the whole energy value chain, including exploration, production, refining, transport, chemicals, retail sales and new types of energy. Repsol is a global company that strives for the welfare of people and is a step ahead in building a better future through the development of smart energy solutions.
The Crown Estate manages the UK seabed and is supporting offshore renewables with a £100 million investment in projects designed to accelerate development and attract investors. In addition, they provide expertise to support developers, from development and consenting through to commissioning. Their staff have worked closely with EDPR and Repsol since 2010.