Mark Baxter (Ocean Winds): “Caledonia can use fixed-foundations, AC transmission and can produce plenty of low-cost power” (source: Ocean Winds)
Ocean Winds (OW) has announced its plan to ‘maximise the full opportunity’ of its Caledonia offshore windfarm, targeting a capacity of 2 GW
The joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie said it wants to maximise the developable area of Caledonia, a 429-km2 site won as part of the ScotWind leasing round. The windfarm is in the block NE4 area designated in the ScotWind leasing.
Caledonia extends OW’s presence in the Moray Firth, building on experience and data captured during the development, construction, and operation of OW’s Moray East and Moray West developments. “This will provide a strong and trusted foundation for Caledonia, ensuring it is one of the fastest and most cost-effective projects to be delivered out of ScotWind,” said Ocean Winds.
Ocean Winds chief operating officer Grzegorz Gorski said, “With its proximity to Moray West and Moray East, Caledonia will consolidate Ocean Winds’ commitment to the Moray Firth.
Caledonia project director Mark Baxter said, “The water is shallow enough to support fixed-foundations, the distance from shore is short enough to support AC instead of DC transmission, yet the wind resource is great enough to deliver high output and therefore low-cost power.
“Caledonia lies in the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ for offshore wind and will create valuable opportunities to boost local supply chains. We are excited to continue contributing to the delivery of national offshore wind targets.”
The supply chain commitments made by Caledonia Offshore Windfarm will reflect the planned 2-GW target capacity.
The company will launch a consultation on the project with the publication of its Offshore Scoping Report in Q3 of this year. A leading consultancy has been appointed to deliver the report, which will outline the windfarm development and the studies, and undertake the research and consultation for its environmental impact assessment, a vital part of the planning application.
With offshore survey campaigns due to start shortly, the Caledonia Project team is targeting a consent submission in 2024.
