The Scottish government has approved Statoil plans for the 30MW Hywind 2 floating offshore wind project some 25km off Peterhead.
The Norwegian company was issued with a marine licence to build five Siemens 6MW turbines on spar foundations.
Statoil is due to start onshore works in 2015-16 with offshore construction to follow in 2016-17 with final commissioning before end-2017.
The Hywind machines will be attached to the seabed by three-point mooring spread and anchoring system. Power will be exported to an onshore substation.
Statoil vice presidnt for new energy solutions Irene Rummelhoff said: “Statoil’s objective with developing this pilot park is to demonstrate a commercial, utility-scale floating wind solution, to further increase the global market potential.
“We are proud to develop this unique project in Scotland, in a region that has optimal wind conditions, a strong supply chain within oil and gas and supportive public policies.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The momentum is building around the potential for floating offshore wind technology to unlock deeper water sites.
“The ability to leverage existing infrastructure and supply chain capabilities from the offshore oil and gas industry create the ideal conditions to position Scotland as a world leader in floating wind technology.”
Image: Hywind 1 off Norway (Statoil)
