Overview

The West of Orkney Wind Farm is a proposed greenfield offshore wind energy project with a capacity of 2GW, set to be located off the offshore west coast of Orkney, Scotland.  The Orkney offshore wind project is owned by Offshore Wind Power Limited (OWPL)—a joint venture comprising Corio Generation (46.75%), TotalEnergies (38.25%), and Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG) (15%). This offshore wind project aims to supply clean energy to more than two million homes upon its expected commissioning in 2029. 

The project, valued at USD 6.5 billion, falls within the "N1" Plan Option area, one of the 15 zones designated by the Scottish Government as suitable for large-scale offshore windfarm development according to the Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy published in October 2020. The project is expected to start construction in 2027.

Project Background

The West of Orkney Offshore Wind Farm is an advancement in renewable energy projects in the Scottish Marine Area. In January 2022, Crown Estate Scotland (CES) awarded OWPL the Option Agreement Area (OAA) for the development of this project, following the ScotWind leasing round, which commenced in June 2020. This was the first step in advancing Scotland's commitment to sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions, using the favorable wind conditions off the coast of Orkney to generate clean, renewable electricity.

OWPL is seeking several key consents and declarations to proceed with the development. These include Section 36 Consent under the Electricity Act 1989, which is necessary for the construction and operation of the offshore wind farm. Additionally, OWPL requests a declaration under Section 36A of the Electricity Act 1989 to extinguish public navigation rights within the wind turbines' areas. This license is crucial to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of the wind farm. 

Marine Licenses are required under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, which govern activities in the marine environment. The project's Offshore Environmental Impact Assessment will evaluate the potential impacts of these activities, ensuring that the development proceeds in an environmentally responsible manner.

Project Location Map

The West of Orkney windfarm is located approximately 23 kilometers from the north coast of Scotland and 28 km from the west coast of Hoy, Orkney mainland.

Technical Specifications

The Orkney windfarm is designed to feature up to 125 horizontal axis wind turbines. Each has a hub height of up to 200 meters, a rotor diameter of up to 330 meters, and a maximum rotor tip height of up to 370 meters above the Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT). These WTGs will be strategically spaced a minimum of 1 kilometer apart. The foundations for these turbines may consist of fixed-bottom structures for depths under 70 meters or floating substructures for depths over 55 meters, with the final foundation type yet to be determined.

The fixed-bottom foundations will have up to four legs per foundation and monopiles with base diameters of up to 18 meters. Scour protection may be implemented to prevent erosion. Also, the project will require up to five Offshore Substation Platforms (OSPs), each with a height of up to 26 meters above mean sea level and dimensions of 45 by 38 meters. These substations will be built on piled jacket foundations with 35 by 35 meters base dimensions, utilizing up to eight piles per foundation.

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Power generated by the WTGs will be transmitted to the OSPs via inter-array cables, expected to total up to 750 kilometers in length, with a voltage of up to 132kV and a diameter of 225mm. The project also includes up to six interconnector cables totaling 150 kilometers. Offshore export cables, connecting the array area to the Caithness and Flotta landfalls, will span 320 kilometers and 340 kilometers, respectively, with diameters of 330mm and voltage up to 600kV. 

These cables will be installed using techniques such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), open-cut trenching, or rock pinning. Up to 10 onshore connection underground export cables will be laid, five each at Caithness chamber and Orkney, including routes across Hoy, Flotta, and Fara, lengths up to 175 kilometers for north Caithness coast and 155 kilometers for Orkney. Finally, two new onshore substations will be established at Spittal (Caithness) and Flotta (Orkney), with footprints of 20 hectares and 15 hectares, facilitating connections to the grid and the Flotta Hydrogen Hub.

Contractors Involved

Project Benefits

The West of Orkney Wind Farm project aims to achieve gender parity and foster long-term employment opportunities in the wind sector. Partnerships with institutions like the University of Highlands & Islands and the Energy Skills Partnership will drive STEM education and vocational training, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future. 

A EUR 33.5 million supply chain and infrastructure investment fund enhances supplier preparedness and competitiveness, catalyzing economic growth and job creation throughout Scotland. This fund will co-invest with suppliers to leverage additional funding, boosting local industries and fostering sustainable regional development.

The project's bespoke innovation and demonstration partnership with EMEC focuses on advancing floating wind and hydrogen technologies, positioning Orkney as a hub for cutting-edge renewable energy solutions. In the first three years, investments exceeding EUR 9 million in local port and harbor infrastructure will support efficient project logistics and strengthen commercial ties with communities like Scrabster and Scapa Deep Water Quay. 

Through these initiatives and its collaboration with Scottish companies, the West of Orkney Wind Farm project not only aims to meet energy demands sustainably but also to drive economic prosperity and technical innovation across Edinburgh, Orkney, Aberdeen, and beyond, positioning Scotland at the forefront of the global green energy transition.

Project Timeline

Project cost

The total project cost of the West of Orkney wind farm is estimated to be USD 6.5 Billion.

Environmental Benefits

The Orkney windfarm project is aligned with Scotland's ambitious climate targets, including reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045; the project will play a pivotal role in offsetting emissions from conventional electricity generation methods. The wind farm will significantly reduce Scotland's carbon footprint by generating clean electricity equivalent to powering over two million homes.

Current Status & Future Outlook

Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council have approved the West of Orkney Wind Farm project's offshore and onshore plans in May 2024. The project moves closer to securing offshore consent from Scottish Ministers with detailed offshore plans now backed by Orkney Council, including proposed turbine locations and cable routes supported by environmental assessments.

The green light from the Highland Council for the onshore infrastructure highlights progress in integrating the wind farm with the national grid and enhancing energy connectivity. As the project advances through regulatory processes and gains local support, it will increase Scotland's renewable energy capacity.

Geotechnical survey is going on at  West of Orkney Windfarm site. Geo will be using the survey vessel Connector to ascertain sub-seabed characteristics at the project site.

Latest Update: Ramboll is contracted to provide Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for the West of Orkney Windfarm with it's successful pre-FEED phase. The project will involve the design of up to 125 fixed-bottom foundations with both monopile and jacket options.

Conclusion

The West of Orkney Wind Farm project marks a significant milestone in Scotland's renewable energy ambitions, set to generate 2GW of clean electricity and requiring a USD 6.5 billion investment. With approvals secured from Orkney Island Council and Highland Council, the project moves closer to obtaining offshore consent from Scottish Ministers, aiming for construction commencement in 2027 and initial power generation by 2029. Beyond its economic benefits, including job creation and local infrastructure enhancement, the project plays a crucial role in Scotland's climate agenda, aligning with targets to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable development in the region.

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