Overview

The Ayre Floating Offshore Wind Power Plant, located in the North Sea, Scotland, UK, is a pioneering greenfield floating offshore project. With a capacity of 1008 MW and a value of GBP 1.20 billion (USD 1.5 billion), it is being developed by Thistle Wind Partners Ltd. Currently in the permitting stage, the project is set to commence construction in 2029, with commercial operation expected by 2033. 

This Floating offshore wind project is part of a larger development by Thistle Wind Partners Ltd. Alongside Ayre, the Bowdun offshore wind farm utilizes fixed-foundation technology to capture wind energy in the North Sea. Together, these greenfield endeavors boast a combined capacity of 2 GW, enough to power 2.4 million Scottish homes. 

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Ayre Floating Offshore Wind Location

Source: Thistle Wind Partners

The Ayre Offshore Wind Farm will be situated 33 kilometers off the east coast of Orkney, Scotland. Its designated location falls within the NE2 leasing zone, an area spanning 200 square kilometers awarded to Thistle Wind Partners (TWP) during the ScotWind leasing round in January 2022. This zone has deep waters exceeding 70 meters, making it ideal for the project's innovative floating foundation technology.

Read: Top Five Upcoming Offshore Wind Farm Power Projects in United Kingdom (UK)

Project Background

The Ayre Floating Offshore Wind Power Plant is developed by Thistle Wind Partners Ltd, a subsidiary of Compagnie d'Entreprises CFE SA headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. This consortium consists of Deme Concessions, Qair Marine, and Aspiravi with ownership stakes of 42.5%, 42.5%, and 15% respectively.

The project encompasses a 201 km² area in the North Sea and will utilize floating wind turbines. These turbines planned for a capacity of 18 MW each with the potential to reach 25 MW, will number between 40 and 60 depending on final assessments.

The project has undergone preliminary stages, including front end engineering design (FEED), to optimize the technical and economic feasibility of the wind farm. Currently in the environmental impact assessment and development planning stages, the project is preparing a comprehensive scoping report to obtain permits by 2025. Submission of Planning Permission Application will be in the fourth quarter this year. A final investment decision is expected in 2028.  The Construction is anticipated to begin in 2029 with full commissioning targeted for 2033.

Project Timeline

Technical Specifications

The Ayre project is a two-phased development. Phase I, encompassing a 97 km² section, is expected to be operational by 2031, with Phase II (103 km²) following suit in 2033. The chosen foundation concept will likely be either semi-submersible platforms (triangular structures partially submerged) or tension-leg platforms (secured to the seabed with vertical cables). Steel floating foundations for this project could weigh a staggering 5,400 tonnes each.

For a minimized environmental footprint, the design incorporates a maximum of five turbines per string and inter-array cables spanning a total of 135 km. Additionally, a dedicated 370 km long export underground cable will transport the generated clean energy onshore, with landfall expected at Caithness.

The project portfolio includes the Bowdun offshore wind project. This project will utilize fixed-foundation turbines on jacket foundations, with a capacity of 40-60 turbines ranging from 18 MW to 25 MW each.

Read: Top 7 Floating Offshore Companies in the world [2024]

Contractors Involved

Project cost

The Ayre Floating Offshore Wind Farm is estimated to cost approximately GBP 1.20 Billion (USD 1.5 billion). 

The combined cost for both the Ayre and Bowdun offshore wind farms is estimated to be around GBP 4 billion. This figure encompasses the development, construction, and installation of both floating and fixed-foundation turbines across the project area.

Current Status & Future Outlook

The Ayre offshore wind farm is currently undergoing environmental impact assessments and development planning. Permitting is crucial for a final investment decision in 2028, with construction anticipated to begin in 2029 and full commissioning by 2033.

In November 2024, Thistle Wind Partners (TWP) has submitted the offshore scoping report for the Ayre offshore wind project to the Scottish government. The developer submitted the documentation to the Marine Directorate - Licensing & Operations Team to request a Scoping Opinion under the environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations.

A 24-month campaign of offshore aerial bird and marine mammal surveys concluded in February and a benthic survey completed in April.

Summary

The Ayre Floating Offshore Wind Power Plant, led by Thistle Wind Partners Ltd in the North Sea, Scotland. The floating offshore project aims to deliver 1008 MW of renewable energy at a value of GBP 1.20 billion (USD 1.5 billion). Alongside the Bowdun project, it forms a significant part of Scotland's renewable energy strategy, potentially powering 2.4 million homes. With construction expected to start in 2029 and commercial operation by 2033, Ayre represents a crucial step towards a sustainable energy future.

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