FEED contracts awarded for pioneering floating wind project

The developers of the project, Norway-based Vårgrønn and Edinburgh, Scotland-headquartered Flotation Energy, awarded the Phase 1 FEED contracts to Aker Solutions and ABB, and Aibel and Hitachi Energy.

The announcement came as the UK and Norway announced the launch of a Green Industrial Partnership, combining capabilities in clean energy, to drive economic growth and deliver on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. 

Green Volt won a UK Government Contract for Difference (CfD) in September 2024 and is one of the first large-scale commercial floating wind developments in Europe. The CfD puts it on track to become the world’s largest floating offshore windfarm with a government contract.

The FEED 1 scopes include engineering, procurement and construction of an offshore substation, encompassing both the jacket and topsides, as well as the design of the high-voltage equipment, such as power to oil and gas assets and power to the onshore substation.

The electrification of oil and gas assets with offshore wind, while simultaneously providing power to the UK grid, is a new concept with many engineering and electrical complexities. The decision to award contracts to multiple partnerships was based on the specific skills of each supplier, as well as Green Volt’s ambition to collaborate with, and develop, the UK’s floating wind supply chain.

Many of the scopes will be managed out of the contractors’ UK offices in Aberdeen and London. Successful concepts will then be carried forward into the next phase of the FEED.

Once operational, Green Volt will not only supply clean power to the grid but also help the oil and gas industry to meet its goal of halving emissions in 2030 by electrifying offshore assets. 

Responding, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “The Green Volt windfarm is a prime example of how the UK and Norway can work together to move away from fossil fuels and deliver clean, secure energy for millions of households up and down the country.

“I welcome this announcement as we deliver our Plan For Change to secure home-grown energy, protect billpayers, and put us on track to make Britian a clean energy superpower by 2030.”

Flotation Energy Green Volt project director Matthew Green said, “Green Volt is a truly trailblazing project that will boost the floating offshore wind supply chain, stimulate investment and help accelerate the development of more windfarms. 

“The award of these FEED contracts is a significant milestone for Green Volt. We are thrilled to be collaborating with these engineering teams as we continue to develop the windfarm at rapid pace.”

Speaking on behalf of the Aker Solutions and ABB consortium, Aker Solutions director Nicola Grieve said, “We are excited to collaborate with Vårgrønn and Flotation Energy on the Green Volt project. This award underscores Aker Solutions’ commitment to accelerating the deployment of offshore wind solutions and contributes to a sustainable energy future.” 

Once operational, Green Volt will not only supply clean power to the grid but also help the oil and gas industry to meet its goal of halving emissions in 2030 by electrifying offshore assets.