Metocean surveys have commenced near the site of ScottishPower Renewables' MachairWind offshore windfarm project. The surveys are taking place off the coast of Argyll and involve the deployment of various equipment, including a floating lidar buoy, metocean buoys, and seabed frames.
Fugro, the appointed contractor, has carried out the deployment using the Forth Warrior vessel. These instruments will remain in place for a year to gather essential data such as wind speed, air and sea temperatures, current speeds, and wave heights.
MachairWind, ScottishPower's inaugural offshore windfarm in the region, aims to generate a capacity of up to 2GW. Kiera Wilson, Senior Project Manager at ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized the significance of the ongoing metocean data collection. This information will contribute to understanding the operational conditions required for the windfarm throughout the seasons.
Wilson stated, “This data forms a vital piece of the jigsaw that will help shape our windfarm design, our operation and maintenance strategy, and also feed into our planning application as we work to deliver MachairWind and enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of more than two million homes.”
Further survey work is planned for later this year, including geophysical and environmental surveys to investigate the seabed's ground conditions. Additionally, progress is being made on a port feasibility study to identify suitable facilities for the project's construction, operation, and maintenance phases.
A socio-economic impact study is also underway, assessing the potential effects on employment and businesses. These comprehensive studies demonstrate ScottishPower Renewables' commitment to gathering valuable information and ensuring the successful implementation of the MachairWind offshore windfarm project.
