Overview

The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm is a brownfield project aiming to generate clean energy off the coast of Dounreay, Scotland. Developed by Highland Wind, It's expected to have a capacity of 100 MW and cost around GBP 150 million (USD 190-200 million). Currently, in the permitting stage, construction is anticipated to begin in 2024 with commercial operation targeted for 2026. This project will contribute to Scotland's renewable energy goals by utilizing innovative floating wind turbine technology.

The Pentland floating offshore wind project has secured a major financial lift, with Great British Energy, the National Wealth Fund, and the Scottish National Investment Bank each committing up to £50 million. The backing strengthens the project’s path toward development and adds momentum to the UK’s floating wind ambitions.

Pentland Offshore Wind Location

Source: pentlandfloatingwind

The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm will be located in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 7.5 kilometers off the coast of Dounreay, Caithness, Scotland. The project area will encompass 25 square kilometers.

Project Background

The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm is a planned 100 MW offshore wind power project in the North Sea, off the coast of Dounreay, Scotland. Currently awaiting permits, the project is expected to be developed in a single phase by Highland Wind Limited.

This floating wind project is developed by Highland Wind Limited, a company majority owned by a fund managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). CIP is a major player in the global offshore wind sector and has a dedicated development partner, Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), leading the project activities. 

Hexicon AB holds a minority stake of 10% in Highland Wind Limited. CIP itself manages a diverse energy infrastructure portfolio that includes not only offshore and onshore wind but also solar, biomass, and other renewable energy assets.

The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind project builds upon a previous project - the Dounreay Tri Project. Approved in 2017 with key consents and a site lease, the Dounreay Tri Project envisioned a much smaller floating wind farm with only two turbines and a capacity of 8-12 MW. Highland Wind acquired this project and its permissions in 2021. 

The new Pentland project represents a significant expansion and will require a separate consent application process. Throughout 2021 and 2022, this process has included extensive public consultation to inform the project design. This commitment to stakeholder engagement is expected to continue throughout the development phase.

Project Timeline

Technical Specifications

The floating foundation structure chosen for the project is the TetraSub innovative technology developed by Stiesdal Offshore. The world's first fully industrialized floating solution, uses innovative design utilizing factory-made modules, minimizing manufacturing at the quayside. These modules are assembled in ports using existing infrastructure, drastically reducing manufacturing hours and transportation costs. 

The lightweight and cost-effective nature of TetraSub makes it an ideal choice for offshore wind projects. The foundation type is a Semi-Submersible Platform constructed from steel. The installation, operation, and maintenance base is located at Scrabster Harbor, Great Britain, facilitating domestic assembly within local ports. 

Grid connection is established at the existing Dounreay 132/33/11kV substation. The system involves two export cables (AC) and two onshore cables, ensuring efficient power transmission. Stiesdal Offshore Technologies is the designer and manufacturer of the foundation.

Project cost

The project's estimated cost is GBP 150 million (around USD 190-200 million). The actual cost of the project will be known once the final investment decision is made. As per sources, the project’s lifetime expenditure cost is GBP 419 million.

Current Status & Future Outlook

As of April 4, 2024, the Consent Variation submitted on October 11, 2023, has been officially approved. This offshore consent variation entails several adjustments aimed at optimizing the project's configuration and operational efficiency. Notably, the approved changes include reducing the number of Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) from seven to six, along with corresponding adjustments in the floating offshore wind turbine footprint area and rotor swept area. 

Additionally, the variation involves a reduction in the number of floating substructures, mooring lines, and anchors or piles. Perhaps most significantly, the operational life of the project has been extended from 10 to 25 years, indicating a long-term commitment to green electricity production.

The reduction in WTGs and associated infrastructure streamlines the project's footprint, potentially minimizing environmental impact while maximizing energy output. The project's development is expected to create opportunities for the local supply chain in Scotland.

Summary

The Pentland Floating Wind Farm is a brownfield project located off the coast of Dounreay, Scotland. Developed by Highland Wind, it aims to generate clean energy with a capacity of 100 MW. The project is currently in the permitting stage and is expected to begin construction in 2024, with commercial operation targeted for 2026. The project utilizes innovative floating wind turbine technology and is estimated to cost GBP 419 million. The project has received approval for several adjustments, including reducing the number of wind turbines and extending the operational life from 10 to 25 years, indicating a long-term commitment to sustainable energy production.

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