Ocean Winds, the joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, has officially started the application process for its 2-GW Caledonia offshore wind project located in the Moray Firth, Scotland. The developer has completed the project's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which encompasses both onshore and offshore infrastructure. In a significant step, a consent application for the onshore transmission works, including substation and underground cables, has been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council.
Marine Scotland is expected to begin its consultation on the offshore works application in the coming weeks.
“This milestone follows three years of work to develop the project and complete the Environmental Impact Assessment,” said Ruaridh Danaher, Caledonia onshore consent manager.
Awarded under the Scottish government's ScotWind process, Caledonia will be Ocean Winds' third offshore wind farm in the Moray Firth, joining Moray East, which began operation in 2020, and Moray West, which started generating power earlier this year. The project is expected to be operational by 2030.
Mark Baxter, project director for Caledonia, highlighted the strategic advantages of the site, stating, “This location, adjacent to our existing infrastructure, offers the right water depths to use fixed foundations optimized for cost-efficiency, low risk, and rapid delivery. The distance from shore also allows for the use of AC connection technology, mitigating risks tied to global HVDC supply chain constraints.”
