Equinor and Masdar have successfully concluded a heavy maintenance campaign on the 30 megawatt (MW) Hywind Scotland floating offshore wind farm, with all five turbines now reconnected. The turbines were towed to Wergeland Base in Gulen, Norway, for the maintenance work, which was conducted in a controlled and sheltered environment, optimizing safety and efficiency.
Trine Ulla, Equinor's vice president of UK operations, highlighted the collaborative efforts of the teams involved, stating that the campaign's success showcases the potential of floating wind technology. “Through this maintenance campaign, we've gained valuable insights that will help us refine maintenance practices and optimise this technology for the future,” Ulla remarked, emphasizing the importance of sharing knowledge to support the industry's growth.
Husain Al Meer, Masdar's director for Global Offshore Wind & UK, expressed pride in the partnership with Equinor, noting their commitment to pioneering projects using advanced clean energy technologies. He stated that the successful maintenance of Hywind Scotland ensures its continued impressive performance, reinforcing the viability of floating offshore wind as a renewable energy source.
Hywind Scotland, the world's first floating offshore wind farm located off the coast of Peterhead, Scotland, has achieved an impressive capacity factor of 54%, underscoring its effectiveness as a leader in the floating wind sector.
