Energy major BP and developer EnBW have submitted a bid for a lease area off the east coast of Scotland that could support offshore wind projects with a capacity of up to 2.9 GW
They also claim their bid “goes far beyond developing wind power” and aims to accelerate Scotland’s entire energy transition – from producing clean power to using it in new industries.
If successful, they claim, their bid would bring multi-billion pound investments to Scottish offshore wind projects and supporting infrastructure, including ports, harbours and shipyards. BP would also use its integrated business model to invest in net-zero industries, including green hydrogen production. They said their plan would also significantly accelerate the expansion of Scotland’s EV charging network.
BP said it would make Aberdeen its global offshore wind centre of excellence, supporting its growing portfolio of offshore wind interests across the world and further support Scotland becoming a global leader in offshore wind, developing leading sector capabilities that are exportable worldwide.
BP, EnBW and Forth Ports have already signed a heads of terms agreement with a financial commitment that will supplement Forth Ports’ £40M (US$55M) investment in their planned Renewables Hub at the Port of Leith.
The companies also said they would support and invest in a new skills capability accelerator developed by energy consultancy Xodus which will provide on-the-job project experience and formal learning. The five-year, multi-million pound financial commitment includes creating entry-level energy transition roles, and the reskilling of hundreds of oil and gas workers, graduates and technicians with renewable sector capabilities.
“Together, these investments would support thousands of jobs in the Scottish energy sector and supply chain, and develop new energy transition jobs, skills and capabilities,” BP and EnBW claimed.
BP executive vice president for gas and low carbon Dev Sanyal said, “We want to harness the clean power from Scotland’s offshore wind and use our capabilities as an integrated energy company to accelerate the country’s EV charging network, build its hydrogen offering and strengthen its supporting infrastructure, including ports and harbours.
“Through our bid we aim to do far more than only develop offshore wind – we believe it can help fuel Scotland’s wider energy transition. We want to harness the clean power from Scotland’s offshore wind and use our capabilities as an integrated energy company to accelerate the country’s EV charging network, build its hydrogen offering and strengthen its supporting infrastructure, including ports and harbours.
“This will all take the right skills and abilities. The bid would build on Scotland’s deep experience in offshore oil and gas, equipping its workforce and supply chain with renewable capabilities, including creating apprenticeships, and supporting thousands of jobs. All of this is aimed at helping generate community wealth and creating a just transition in which people and communities do not get left behind.”
EnBW chief operating officer generation and trading Dr Georg Stamatelopoulos said, “Our bid combines our established competence in offshore wind and BP’s leading North Sea experience. EnBW will bring its engineering know-how and track record as one of the leading offshore wind developers into the Scottish market.
“We are very keen to successfully further develop this project. Last year, we completed the largest German offshore wind project and are very confident in dealing with the complexity of this industry. With this background, we are looking forward to supporting a clean energy future for Scotland.”
Earlier this year, BP and EnBW entered the UK’s offshore wind power sector, forming a 50-50 joint venture to jointly develop and operate two leases in the Irish Sea that offer a combined potential generating capacity of 3 GW.
BP also has a partnership with Equinor to develop offshore wind projects in the US, including projects with a planned potential 4.4 GW generating capacity. Onshore in the US, BP operates nine wind assets across the country and has a gross generating capacity of 1.7 GW.
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