Cerulean Winds, the key developer of several UK floating offshore wind projects, has filed offshore consent applications with the Scottish Government for its flagship Aspen project. This marks an important legal milestone in obtaining offshore approval for the wind farm. Situated roughly 100 km offshore in the Central North Sea, Aspen aims to generate 1 GW of renewable energy, with plans to achieve its first power output before 2030.

The project is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs, including 100 apprenticeships, and attract a total investment of EUR 10.9 billion across its 50-year lifespan.

Project Design and Environmental Considerations

The Aspen project aims to help oil and gas operators quickly decarbonize their operations while establishing a floating offshore wind manufacturing base in Scotland. Careful site selection, early technology definition, and thoughtful design decisions have ensured that impacts are minimized. Special attention has been given to reducing interactions with fisheries and key bird species, while ensuring a strong and feasible consent process can be achieved promptly to support shared government goals for floating wind.

The applications were lodged with the Scottish Government's Marine Directorate Licensing Operations team. The supporting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) sets out the project's considerations of the marine and coastal environment, wildlife, and other sea users. The assessment details the measures Cerulean will take to avoid, minimise, or offset any impacts, ensuring the development is delivered responsibly and in line with regulatory requirements.

The documents are widely available, allowing the public and all other interested parties to understand the project further.

Industry Impact and Economic Projections

By 2050, floating offshore wind is expected to contribute over EUR 47 billion to the UK economy and employ approximately 100,000 people. Aspen will play a pivotal role in achieving this by creating green jobs and accelerating port and fabrication upgrades. The submission paves the way for more engagement with the Scottish supply chain, while supporting the UK and Scottish Governments' ambition to establish a world-leading floating wind supply chain.

The project is expected to create long-term economic value for communities across the country.

Development Partnership and Infrastructure Hub

A consortium of world-class partners is developing Aspen – NOV, Siemens Energy, Bilfinger, and Ocean Installer – bringing proven expertise in delivering large-scale offshore projects. Haventus' Ardersier Energy Transition facility near Inverness will act as the strategic hub for Aspen, becoming the UK's first dedicated assembly, delivery, and operations centre for floating offshore wind.

Anchoring this critical part of the supply chain in Scotland will help create a fully integrated industrial ecosystem, ensuring long-term economic value is retained in the UK.

Company Leadership Statements

Colin Maciver, Senior Director at Cerulean Winds, stated: "We are pleased to meet this milestone in delivering the important Aspen floating project. We plan to build upon the pre-application engagements and look forward to proactive and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to ensure the submission is well understood and practical solutions can be taken to ensure any remaining uncertainty or questions are addressed."

Dan Jackson, Founding Director of Cerulean Winds, added: "The submission of Aspen's offshore consent applications is an essential step in realising the UK's floating offshore wind potential. It allows us to progress towards securing consent for one of the UK's most significant floating offshore wind developments and to do so with a clear commitment to environmental responsibility.

This milestone enables us to move forward with delivering 1 GW of clean power and supporting over 1000 jobs by anchoring a new industrial base for floating wind in Scotland. Aspen will play a major role in accelerating the energy transition and reducing emissions from oil and gas operations, all while creating long-term economic value for communities across the country."

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