The Aspen floating offshore wind project in the UK’s Central North Sea is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs and attract £10.9 billion in investment over a 50-year period, according to developer Cerulean Winds.
The 1GW project is being developed by a consortium including NOV, Siemens Energy, Bilfinger, Ocean Installer, and Haventus. Under a project charter, the group anticipates £1 billion in UK-based supply chain spending and nearly £1 billion in additional foreign investment.
Cerulean Winds founding director Dan Jackson said the project represents a long-term opportunity to develop a UK-based floating wind industry. “This project has the potential to support thousands of skilled jobs and billions in investment to the UK,” he said. “Having our delivery partners already in place, working together to a shared goal means that we’re able to accurately predict the benefits that Aspen can deliver.”
The Ardersier Energy Transition Facility in Scotland will serve as the main hub for the project, functioning as the UK’s first dedicated assembly, delivery, and operations centre for floating offshore wind. The location is expected to play a central role in anchoring the domestic supply chain.
The investment package includes £5.9 billion allocated for development and construction, with an additional £100 million projected annually during the 50-year operational phase. The initiative is expected to deliver £4.1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, with £2.8 billion of that in Scotland.
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks, speaking during a planned visit to the Ardersier site, said: “Today’s commitment from Cerulean Winds and its partners shows exactly how this transition will bring good jobs and growth to Scotland, as Britain’s fast expanding renewable energy powerhouse.”
Aspen is the first of three floating wind projects proposed by Cerulean Winds, alongside Beech and Cedar. The trio could eventually consist of up to 300 turbines and will contribute to the UK government’s target of installing 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.
