Salamander, a joint venture comprising Orsted, Simply Blue Group, and Subsea7, has successfully launched floating LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and wave buoys off the North East of Scotland, marking a crucial step in the metocean campaign for its proposed floating offshore wind farm project. The 12-month survey, conducted by Fugro, aims to provide insights that will shape the design, operations, and maintenance strategy of the wind farm, while also supporting the planning application process.
The deployment includes two Seawatch Wind Lidar Buoys and a Wavescan buoy, strategically positioned to gather essential meteorological, oceanographic, and environmental data specific to the region. Metrics such as wave height, wind and current speed, and other site characteristics will be meticulously analyzed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the project's viability and seasonal conditions.
This metocean survey is one component of a series of assessments Salamander plans to undertake before initiating the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Habitat Regulations Appraisal (HRA). The project development director at Salamander, Hugh Yendole, emphasized the survey's importance in guiding the project's future course of action, particularly in terms of environmental considerations influencing design and operational features.
Salamander, slated to be situated 35 km off the coast of Peterhead, holds the promise of generating sufficient green energy to power 100,000 Scottish homes. Beyond its energy production capacity, the project aims to contribute valuable insights and best practices for future commercial-scale developments in Scottish waters, paving the way for the larger-scale ScotWind buildout.
The project team plans to submit the necessary consent applications by early 2024, underscoring the commitment to advancing innovative floating offshore wind technologies in line with Scotland and the UK's journey towards a net-zero future.
