White Cross Offshore Windfarm Limited, a collaborative effort between Cobra and Flotation Energy, has formally submitted its planning application to North Devon Council for the proposed 100MW White Cross floating offshore wind farm. This ambitious project, situated 52km off the picturesque north Devon coast, envisions the installation of six to eight floating wind turbines.
The meticulous selection of the associated cable route has been shaped by extensive consultation and valuable feedback. The proposed cable route will make landfall at the pristine Saunton Sands, ultimately connecting to the electricity grid via the East Yelland substation. In an effort to ensure the seamless and efficient transfer of energy into the network, plans also include the construction of a new onshore substation unit in close proximity to the existing East Yelland substation.
This planning application comes on the heels of the offshore consent application, which was earlier submitted to the Marine Management Organisation this year. Both applications are now subject to formal consultation, marking a pivotal phase in the development of this groundbreaking venture.
White Cross Wind Farm plays a pivotal role in the Crown Estate's Test and Demonstration leasing opportunity, designed to foster the advancement and commercialization of innovative floating energy technologies within the Celtic Sea. Beyond its immediate objectives, the project is also poised to serve as a key stepping stone, supporting the expansion of subsequent offshore wind initiatives within the Celtic Sea region and further afield.
Al Rayner, Projects Director at Flotation Energy, expressed, “We have been developing this site since 2020 and this consent application is a huge milestone. On track to start generating energy in 2027, the success of White Cross and similar projects provides significant opportunities for the UK to reap the associated economic benefits whilst also tackling climate change.”
Cobra, a partner in this venture, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are delighted to take the next step in the development of White Cross, a project that aims to provide secure supply and sustainable energy for the UK and beyond. Our partnership with Flotation Energy is founded on previous floating wind success, and utilizing our shared knowledge and understanding will provide a significant advantage as we build an efficient and high-quality pipeline of developments.”
