Overview

The Bellrock Floating Offshore Wind Farm project, located 120 kilometers east of Stonehaven, Scotland, is a 1.2 GW greenfield development to harness offshore wind energy with floating turbine technology. A joint venture by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis (formerly, Falck Renewables SpA), Bellrock wind farm is currently in the permitting stage and expected to begin construction in 2028, targeting operational commencement by 2030. Upon completion, this large-scale project will contribute significantly to Scotland's clean energy goals by powering over 1.1 million homes.

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Project Background

Bellrock Offshore Wind Project, previously named Gemini, is a 1,200 MW project slated for development off the East coast of Scotland by Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm Limited, a joint venture equally owned by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis. BlueFloat Energy contributes global offshore wind market expertise, while Renantis specializes in onshore wind projects with community involvement. 

Technical efforts are ongoing, including aerial ornithology surveys, procurement of floating LiDAR, and discussions with the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) regarding the draft Highland and Islands Needs Case (HND). Additionally, collaborative discussions have been initiated with the Morven project team to develop offshore transmission infrastructure. 

The consenting process involves a review of timelines and strategy, with RHDHV providing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consenting services consultancy. The project awaits an update from OFGEM on the delivery model to determine its responsibility for consenting onshore assets. Stakeholder engagement encompasses a wide range of entities, including government bodies, conservation agencies such as Marine Scotland and NatureScot, and academic institutions like the University of Highlands and Islands (UHI).

The floating offshore wind project is scheduled to reach a Financial Investment Decision (FID) in 2028, following the completion of planning and consenting activities between 2023 and 2026. Contracts for Difference (CfD) are expected to be secured by 2027, with construction slated to commence the same year and grid connection anticipated around 2030.

Read: Top 7 Upcoming Floating Offshore Wind Projects In the World

Bellrock Floating Offshore Wind Location

Source: Bellrock Wind

Bellrock Offshore Wind Farm will be situated in the North Sea, approximately 120 km east of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. These sites boast water depths ranging from 70m to 100m, facilitating the installation of floating foundations.

Technical Specifications

The wind farm will utilize between 42 and 80 turbines, with a choice between floating or fixed foundations depending on final capacity needs. Mooring lines and anchors are the envisaged station-keeping systems, but specifics are being evaluated. The design of the offshore substation and export cable is also ongoing. To manage these technical aspects, Bellrock has appointed Doris, a French energy industry consultant, as the principal designer. Doris will leverage their expertise to ensure the project adheres to construction, design, and management regulations.

Project Timeline

Project cost

The estimated project cost for the floating wind is GBP 1.58 billion (USD 1.8 billion).

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

Current Status & Future Outlook

The Bellrock Floating Offshore Wind Farm is currently in the permitting stage with ongoing technical and stakeholder engagement efforts. Doris, a renowned consultant, oversees project design. Construction is expected to start in 2028, aiming for operational commencement by 2030. Upon completion, the project will significantly contribute to Scotland's clean energy goals, powering over 1.1 million homes and advancing sustainable energy solutions while reducing carbon emissions.

The consortium comprising Orsted, Renantis, and BlueFloat Energy secured a site located east of Caithness in Plan Option NE3. Additionally, the partnership between Renantis and BlueFloat Energy acquired two sites: one situated east of Aberdeen in Plan Option E1, and another located north of Fraserburgh in Plan Option NE6. These three sites collectively offer the potential for approximately 3.0 GW of offshore wind capacity.

Summary

The Bellrock Floating Offshore Wind Power Plant project, led by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis, is a key initiative in Scotland's renewable energy sector. With a capacity of 1.2 GW and an estimated cost of GBP 1.58 billion, it aims to power over 1.1 million homes while reducing carbon emissions. Currently, in the permitting stage, construction is expected to begin in 2028, with operations slated for 2030. Positioned in the North Sea, this project showcases the potential of offshore wind technology to drive sustainable energy solutions on a significant scale, contributing to Scotland's clean energy goals.

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