The siting of the world’s first floating offshore windfarm off the coast of Scotland is “hugely significant” for the country’s ambitions to be a world leader in renewables, according to the energy minister.
Paul Wheelhouse MSP made the comments at the opening of the Hywind Park today.
Situated some 15 miles from Peterhead, Norwegian operator Statoil’s five turbine development will provide enough power for around 20,000 homes.
But even more importantly it puts Scotland front and centre as the first pioneering country to support the innovation.
Mr Wheelhouse, the Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said: “The offshore floating wind industry has huge potential globally not just in Scotland but also in areas like the US and Latin America, Japan and Indonesia.
“But it is hugely significant that Scotland is a test-bed for such a new development.
“Floating offshore wind can potentially reduce the cost of installation very significantly because of the use of the same techniques as the oil and gas industry. It is also less invasive in terms of the seabed as well.
“Hopefully it’s a win-win for the industry with lower costs of installation and also having less of an impact on the marine environment.
“The company has spent a lot of time and money developing this project so we are hugely excited for them but also for Scotland as this could make a significant contribution to our energy mix in the future.”
Recommended for you
