Overview

The Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Farm, a greenfield project by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis UK, is set to become Scotland's first large-scale floating wind farm in the North Sea. With a capacity of 900 MW, it aims to power over 880,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by over 1.3 million tonnes annually. 

Currently in permitting, construction is expected to begin in 2024 for commercial operation by 2028. This innovative project will not only contribute to Scotland's clean energy goals but also create jobs and boost the local supply chain.

Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Location

Source:Broadshore Wind UK

The Broadshore Offshore Wind Farm will be located in the North Sea, 47 kilometers north of Fraserburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. It spans across an area of 134 square kilometers.

Project Background

The Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Farm is a large-scale project being jointly developed by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis UK, with each company holding a 50% stake. This large-scale wind farm will utilize innovative floating turbine foundations. 

Currently in the permitting stage, the floating offshore wind project recently submitted a scoping request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a significant step toward construction. The Floating offshore wind farm is currently undergoing a permitting phase with a targeted application for wind farm area consent in mid-2025.

BlueFloat Energy, a Spanish company, brings expertise in offshore wind energy development, while Renantis UK (formerly Falck Renewables Wind Ltd), a subsidiary of Falck Renewables SpA, contributes extensive experience across the wind energy sector.

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Project Timeline

Technical Specifications

The exact number of wind turbine generators (WTGs) is yet to be finalized, but considering the project's capacity, it's likely to involve a significant number of large-scale turbines. These turbines will be supported by innovative floating foundations, constructed from steel, concrete, or a hybrid of both materials depending on final design decisions. This flexibility allows for adaptability to specific site conditions.

The electricity generated by the wind farm will be transmitted via High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cables. However, the specific connection point to the national grid (HND 2) is subject to further confirmation. 

Notably, the project utilizes floating technology, allowing it to operate in waters with depths ranging from 70 to 100 meters. This highlights the project's innovative approach to harnessing wind energy in deep-sea locations. Finally, the project site has a strong and consistent wind resource with an average wind speed of 10.5 meters per second, ideal for efficient electricity generation.

Project Development

Specific contractors for the Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Farm haven't been announced yet, the project involves various specialist firms throughout its development stages. Environmental consultants will conduct bird and marine mammal surveys. Metocean data providers will deploy equipment to collect wind and wave data. 

Geophysical and geotechnical surveys will be conducted to understand the seabed characteristics. Grid connection will require contractors experienced with offshore substations and cables. The wind farm itself will involve multiple specialists: wind turbine manufacturers, floating structure designers and fabricators, mooring and anchor system providers, offshore substation contractors, subsea cable installation contractors, and electrical systems contractors. 

Project Cost

The Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Farm carries a project value of GBP 1.04 Billion (USD 1.3 Billion). The project is committed to supporting Scotland's supply chain with a significant investment exceeding GBP 830 million.

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

Current Status & Future Outlook

The Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Farm is currently in the permitting process, having recently submitted a scoping request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). With a targeted application for wind farm development consent in mid-2025, construction is expected to begin in the late this year and the floating offshore project will start commercial operation in 2028. Furthermore, it's anticipated to create job opportunities and boost the local supply chain, solidifying its positive outlook for the future.

The project will be later developed as the Broadshore Hub, a renewable energy complex in the UK North Sea. The Broadshore Hub encompasses the Broadshore, Sinclair, and Scaraben floating wind projects, aiming to be a major renewable energy hub in the North Sea.
 

Summary

The Broadshore Floating Offshore Wind Farm represents a significant step forward in Scotland's renewable energy ambitions. With a capacity of 900 MW, it promises to power over 880,000 homes while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Developed by BlueFloat Energy and Renantis UK, this innovative project harnesses floating technology to generate abundant wind resources in the North Sea. Currently, in the permitting stage, it's set to commence construction by 2024, aiming for commercial operation by 2028. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project is expected to create jobs and bolster the local supply chain, marking a promising outlook for Scotland's clean energy future.

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