Equinor has announced its interest in developing gigawatt-scale floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with the upcoming seabed leasing round in view.
Project development areas are being prepared by The Crown Estate for development of gigawatt scale floating offshore wind projects.
With a seabed leasing round in the Celtic Sea planned for 2023, the Crown Estate aims to facilitate the development of the floating offshore wind industry in the UK and encourage investments in the UK supply chain.
Central to the Celtic Sea seabed leasing round is a focus on environmental and social value creation, respect for the marine environment, engagement with local communities and stakeholders, and development of a competitive floating offshore wind supply chain.
Equinor has conducted a comprehensive site selection process in the Celtic Sea and is maturing its site selection through aerial surveys.
In the Celtic Sea region, Equinor intends to work with all stakeholders to develop floating offshore wind projects that create shared value for local communities, and initiate opportunities for the regional supply chain to advance as a competitive hub for floating offshore wind.
Catherine Maloney, Head of Business Development, UK Offshore Wind at Equinor, said: “Equinor has been operating in the UK for nearly 40 years and we are delighted to see new and exciting opportunities emerging in the Celtic Sea. Our team is working hard to mature our plans in Wales and South West England, as engagement with local communities is critical to Equinor’s project development of offshore wind.
“Equinor is highly experienced at developing floating wind: we have installed the world’s first floating wind turbine, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm and are now building the world’s largest floating wind farm. We are committed to industrialising floating offshore wind and the Celtic Sea is an optimal region for further development of this important technology.”