Mainstream Renewable Power (Mainstream) and Ocean Winds have partnered to develop a second ScotWind floating offshore wind site.
This 500 MW site will be east of Shetland, expanding the overall footprint of the Arven Offshore Wind Farm (Arven) to 2.3 GW.
The first of Arven’s sites is the 1.8 GW site east of the Shetland Islands which was awarded to the 50:50 joint venture between Mainstream and Ocean Winds as part of the ScotWind leasing process in 2022.
Once operational, Arven has the capacity to generate enough energy to power up to two million homes.
The partners have commenced early-stage local engagement, meeting with supply chain partners, local authorities and fisheries representatives.
Ocean Winds is an international joint venture between EDPR and ENGIE dedicated to offshore wind energy, and Mainstream is a global pureplay renewable energy company, the two companies having a longstanding partnership.
Separately, Ocean Winds was awarded a 500 MW site in the same NE1 block. Mainstream has now completed its acquisition of a 50% shareholding in Ocean Wind’s holding company and the two sites are now being developed jointly to maximise their potential.
The companies are currently developing a 1.2 GW floating offshore wind farm in South Korea and are in a consortium for the upcoming Utsira Nord floating offshore wind tender in Norway. By extending this partnership and developing the two sites off Shetland, Mainstream and Ocean Winds will leverage their combined expertise to maximise benefits for Shetland and Scotland, create supply chain opportunities and jobs, whilst contributing to the UK’s net zero ambition.
Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds, said, “We have already commenced surveys and a programme of early local engagement, including the fishing industry, and we are committed to working closely with the local community in developing this larger Arven project, which will be a significant driver for the energy transition.”
Tove Røskaft, Head of Offshore Wind for Mainstream, said, “Arven offers a unique combination of scale, world-class wind resource and routes to market which enable it to deliver a range of compelling benefits for the good of Shetland, Scotland and the UK. Mainstream has a solid track record in Scotland and the UK, having successfully developed the Neart na Gaoithe and the Hornsea zone which is the world’s largest offshore wind farm in operation.”
