Energy / Port authority inks first agreement with offshore wind developer
LERWICK Port Authority (LPA) has entered into its first collaboration agreement aimed at providing support for the development and operation of a major floating offshore wind farm.
It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ESB, the Irish energy company which is proposing to build a 500MW floating offshore wind farm to the east of Shetland.
This agreement commits both organisations to work together to develop port solutions for delivering the offshore wind farm and ongoing operations and maintenance activities.
LPA chief executive Calum Grains said: “The agreement is a significant step in our drive to be a major support centre for the offshore wind industry.
“It will provide the framework to deliver the requirements of ESB’s wind farm and develop our comprehensive facilities, building on our decades of oil and gas experience.
“Our involvement will underpin our advancing plans for an Ultra-Deep-Water Quay and additional laydown at the deep-water Dales Voe Base which will service the energy sector.”
Speaking about the partnership, ESB project director Cian Desmond said: “This MOU provides a unique opportunity for both ESB and the Authority to combine our expertise to help maximise the local social, economic and environmental benefits of this development.
“This agreement clearly demonstrates that both parties are committed to developing this floating offshore wind project together for the benefit of Shetland.”
Seabed development rights were awarded to ESB in 2022 by Crown Estate Scotland through the ScotWind leasing process.
Currently in early-stage development, the project is in a 100km² area identified in the Scottish Government’s Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind.
It is approximately 40km off Shetland, in water depths between 100m and 130m.
Its total generating capacity would create enough energy to power 350,000 Scottish households.
It is located near to the site of the proposed Arven offshore wind farm, which is larger and would have a total capacity of 2.3GW.
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