The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has launched an 18-month project to advance plans for its proposed DeepWind deepwater and floating offshore wind test facility off the Orkney Islands in northern Scotland.
EMEC said the £500,000 programme will cover feasibility work, design scoping and industry engagement to define site infrastructure requirements, including logistical and operational needs, connectivity to ports and alignment with the wider UK offshore wind supply chain. The project is partially funded through the Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator.
Mark Hamilton, EMEC’s operations and technology director, said the initiative will also move forward leasing and grid connection applications while starting long-lead environmental studies.
“During the project, we aim to progress leasing and grid-connection applications, and will initiate some of the longest-lead environmental studies, moving us towards full consenting and Front-End Engineering Design,” Hamilton said.
“The key outcome will be a robust investment case for phased development of the test site,” he added.
Hamilton said EMEC plans to hold a series of engagement sessions over the coming months to gather input from developers, equipment manufacturers, insurers, investors, regulators and local communities.
“I encourage interested parties to get in touch with us for more detail on how they can help shape the future of UK offshore wind testing,” Hamilton said.
EMEC said the DeepWind facility is intended to support the development and demonstration of floating wind technologies as the UK expands offshore wind capacity in deeper waters.
