Salamander, a joint venture between Orsted, Simply Blue Group, and Subsea7, has entered into an exclusivity agreement as part of Crown Estate Scotland's Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round. This collaboration aims to bring about significant advancements in the field of offshore wind energy.
The Salamander project, with a capacity of 100MW, will be a floating offshore wind farm situated 35km off the coast of Peterhead. Its primary objective is to provide Scotland and its extensive supply chain with an early opportunity to harness the potential of floating offshore wind technology, paving the way for the larger-scale ScotWind initiative.
Under the terms of the exclusivity agreement, Salamander will commence offshore wind development activities while awaiting the completion of Marine Scotland's planning process for the INTOG Sectoral Marine Plan (INTOG SMP). During this period, Salamander plans to showcase a range of innovative technologies at a commercial scale, preparing them for future implementation in utility-scale projects, including the ScotWind leases.
The successful deployment of these cutting-edge technologies will play a crucial role in ensuring the feasibility and affordability of floating offshore wind energy, benefitting consumers and providing substantial value to local industries and businesses.
Categorized into two distinct pots, the INTOG round encompassed smaller-scale innovation projects of 100MW or less, as well as larger projects interconnected with oil and gas infrastructure. Salamander achieved success in the innovation route, solidifying its position as a pioneering force within the sector.
In the coming month, the Salamander floating offshore wind project plans to conduct a series of public consultations. These consultations will serve as an essential platform for engaging with various stakeholders, seeking their valuable insights and feedback as the project progresses towards its ultimate goals.
