Cerulean Winds today claimed that the 1GW Aspen floating wind project in the UK’s Central North Sea is expected to support more than 1000 jobs and attract a total investment of £10.9 billion across its 50-year lifespan.
Aspen is being built by a number of partners with experience in delivering large scale offshore projects.
Under a project charter, the contracting parties of the consortium – NOV, Siemens Energy, Bilfinger, Ocean Installer, alongside Haventus – anticipate creating more than 1000 UK jobs, committing £1bn in domestic spending, and unlocking nearly £1bn in additional inward investment.
Cerulean Winds founding director Dan Jackson said: “This project has the potential to support thousands of skilled jobs and billions in investment to the UK.
“From a base in Scotland, Cerulean Winds and our delivery partners want to grasp the opportunity of creating a floating offshore wind supply chain industrial base in the UK.
“Having our delivery partners already in place, working together to a shared goal means that we’re able to accurately predict the benefits that Aspen can deliver.”
The Ardersier Energy Transition Facility will serve as the strategic hub for the Aspen project making it the UK’s first dedicated assembly, delivery and operations centre for floating offshore wind (FLOW).
By anchoring this vital part of the supply chain in Scotland, the project will help establish a fully integrated industrial ecosystem – ensuring that long-term economic value is retained within the UK.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks was due to visit Ardersier Energy Transition Facility today as a guest of Cerulean Winds.
He said: “The clean energy transition is well underway in Scotland – thanks to state-of-the-art offshore wind projects, like this one at the Port of Ardersier, that will help us deliver on our Plan for Change and clean power by 2030 mission.
“Today’s commitment from Cerulean Winds and its partners shows exactly how this transition will bring good jobs and growth to Scotland, as Britain’s fast expanding renewable energy powerhouse.”
The £10.9bn investment includes £5.9bn during development and construction and £100m annually during 50 years of operations.
This expenditure is expected to provide £4.1bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK, £2.8bn of which will be in Scotland.
Once built, the three Cerulean Winds projects (Aspen, Beech and Cedar), could comprise up to 300 turbines.
The 1GW Aspen site will be developed first, providing new offshore wind capacity helping to meet the UK government’s 50GW by 2030 target.