Subsea 7 and Irish blue economy developer Simply Blue Energy have joined forces to develop a floating wind project off the northeast coast of Scotland
The companies have formed a joint venture partnership for Salamander, a pre-commercial project, in which Subsea 7 has a minority interest.
Subsea 7 will bring its track record in delivering offshore energy projects, together with the company’s expertise and detailed knowledge of the Scottish supply chain.
Simply Blue Energy will bring its floating wind development experience from its projects in the Celtic Sea.
Energy consultants Xodus Group, an autonomous subsidiary of Subsea 7, has been supporting the project from the inception stage and will continue to work with the project to develop the concept in readiness for acquiring a lease, in due course, from the Crown Estate Scotland. It will do so under the innovation and oil and gas decarbonisation leasing activities referenced in the Offshore Wind Sectoral Marine Plan.
In a statement, Subsea 7 and Simply Blue Energy said early engagement provides an opportunity to develop a sustainable Scottish supply chain which can deliver a responsible energy future and bring economic benefits associated with offshore floating wind.
Up to 200 MW, Salamander will be another stepping-stone project delivered by Simply Blue Energy, following on from four other such projects it is developing with major energy operators in the Celtic Sea.
Subsea 7 chief executive John Evans said, “Subsea 7 has a long track record of successfully delivering offshore energy projects which positions us well to support Simply Blue Energy at this early stage of the Salamander project. We believe that floating wind has an important role to play in the wider energy transition and a low-carbon future.
“We are pleased with our early support to this project through Xodus Group, and that we are able to continue our engagement through the formation of this joint venture. We look forward to working with Simply Blue Energy with the aim of bringing the project to a point where a strategic investor can come on board.”
Simply Blue Energy chief executive Sam Roch-Perks said, “Scotland is one of the best locations on the planet for the development of floating wind projects.
“As a leading floating wind developer, we want to contribute to the development of this market.
“Previous projects have not achieved the hoped-for regional supply-chain benefits, and we believe that for it to capitalise on the opportunities from ScotWind, a stepping-stone project like Salamander is needed.”
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