Ocean Winds confirms 2GW Scots offshore project

Experience and data from Moray East & West projects will be leveraged for Caledonia

Ocean Winds said it plans to maximise the full opportunity at its Caledonia offshore wind site, targeting a capacity of 2GW.

The EDPR and Engie joint venture secured a 429 sq km site for Caledonia, as part of the ScotWind leasing round.

Caledonia extends Ocean Wind’s presence in the Moray Firth, building on the “wealth of experience and data” captured during the development, construction, and operation of the Moray East and Moray West developments.

Ocean Winds stated 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”.

Ocean Winds chief operating officer Grzegorz Gorski said: “With its proximity to Moray West and Moray East, Caledonia will consolidate Ocean Winds’ long-term commitment to the Moray Firth region and its vital new role as the nation’s secure and clean electricity supply.

“We will build on our knowledge of a technology that is not just proven but optimised and on the expertise acquired by our teams, to successfully deliver another wind farm in Scotland before the end of the decade.”

Caledonia’s 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 Wind Farm will be reflective of the planned 2GW target capacity.

Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm will formally launch consultation on the project with the publication of its offshore scoping report in Q3 of this year.

With offshore survey campaigns due to start shortly, the Caledonia project team is targeting a consent submission in 2024.