EDF Renewables UK has created a joint venture with project developer DP Energy to generate up to 1GW of wind power from floating turbines in the Celtic Sea, it said in a press release.
The floating offshore wind project ‘Gwynt Glas’ is set to span English and Welsh waters south of Ireland. The partners have identified an area of interest encompassing some 1,500 sq.km, approximately 70km from shore.
No financial details of the agreement were disclosed however the wind farm could create enough electricity to provide power for some 927,400 homes.
The leasing process could see rights awarded by the end of 2023, with projects delivered from 2030 into the early part of the next decade.
Floating wind farms are an emerging technology with far higher costs than projects fixed to the seabed, but costs are expected to fall as more projects are brought online.
EDF Renewables UK Head of Offshore Wind Scott Sutherland, said: “This is a great start to 2022 for us and we are very pleased to announce this partnership with DP Energy.
“We firmly believe Gwynt Glas will be a catalyst for further supply chain growth across the UK which is something we as a company are very supportive of.
“We will use our experience in offshore wind to help bring opportunities for local, regional and national companies on this project and on others, such our Blyth floating project and the two we are bidding for in the ScotWind process.
“Floating offshore wind is an exciting new technology and will bring much needed inward investment which can regenerate coastal economies and communities.”
Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy, said: “With EDF Renewables UK we have found a strong ally to develop Gwynt Glas, who place strong emphasis on capturing the regional supply chain and local community opportunity, alongside protecting our environment.
“Each member of the DP Energy UK team based in Pembroke Dock was born and raised in Wales and are passionate about supporting the growth of a new energy sector that can sustain skilled, well-paid jobs for future generations in coastal regions, in Wales and in the South West of England.”
Image credit: Vismar UK/Shutterstock
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