French oil and gas giant Total has said its “strong industrial position” in Aberdeen has spurred its decision to move into the Scottish offshore wind market in the North Sea.
The company’s boss, Patrick Pouyanne, revealed earlier this month that Total “intends to participate” in the upcoming ScotWind leasing round.
He said Total was looking at both the offshore wind and floating wind markets.
A spokesman for Total confirmed the firm’s plans last night, adding that the company was “moving fast” in developing its offshore wind plans.
He said Total’s existing presence in Westhill, near Aberdeen, and the “synergies” between oil and gas and floating offshore wind were factors in the decision.
Total announced this year that it would also partner with Danish offshore wind firm Orsted to submit a bid for a 600 megawatt (MW) Dunkirk offshore wind project in France.
Total’s spokesman said: “Total is moving fast in developing our low carbon electricity footprint and is interested in the offshore wind industry.
“The British market is among our targets, with the coming lease auctions.
“The Scottish tender with its mix of floating and bottom fixed offshore wind zones is a particularly challenging opportunity, where Total intends to participate, given its strong industrial positions in Aberdeen and synergies between oil and gas and floating offshore wind.”
Oil supermajor Shell confirmed this month that the firm was “absolutely” targeting the North Sea for future big offshore wind developments.
Shell’s energy transition manager, Joanna Coleman, said the firm was “very keen” to enter the sector due to the “huge amount of transferable skills” from the oil and gas sector.
Recommended for you
