Kincardine Offshore Wind has confirmed the first phase of an up to 50MW floating project off Scotland notched first power late last month.
The company, majority owned by Spanish construction company Cobra, said the Vestas V80 unit atop a Principle Power semi-submersible platform exported electricity on 26 September.
KOW said the milestone is a “watershed moment” for the project, which will feature a further six turbines to be installed over the next two years.
Managing director Jaime Altolaguirre said: “Achieving first power from the Kincardine floating wind farm is an incredibly important milestone for KOW. This world leading project secures Scotland’s position at the forefront of the global renewables industry.
“The lessons learnt from the project will allow us to create the next generation of floating projects globally, in deeper waters and further from shore.”
Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse added the project demonstrates the country’s ability to harness an “enormous offshore wind potential”.
“Kincardine generating its first power to the National Grid represents a significant step forward for the project, which has been made possible by the introduction of the enhanced ROCs scheme by the Scottish Government in 2013.
“This innovative project brings with it significant potential for economic development, and I look forward to seeing the Scottish supply chain maximise the opportunity presented during the remainder of the programme.”
Crown Estate Scotland senior development manager Sian Wilson added: “Offshore wind is fast becoming an accepted contributor to the UK energy mix and we believe floating wind innovation creates the opportunity to maximise the contribution to clean energy, and the wider value to Scotland.”
The first phase of the project features the decommissioned WindFloat foundation and turbine (pictured) that was previously deployed off Portugal.