Red Rock Power and Eni have formed a 50:50 partnership in preparation for a joint bid with the support of Transmission Investment in the forthcoming ScotWind offshore leasing round.
The companies said they will also consider future renewable opportunities in Scotland and combine wind farm development and offshore expertise, “harnessing a common desire to support the net zero transition”.
Red Rock Power chief executive Guy Madgwick said: “Securing a partner to enable us to capitalise on our existing offshore wind development expertise and levelling-up our offshore construction experience ahead of the ScotWind bid was a key priority for us this year.
“Eni brings a wealth of offshore expertise from the oil and gas sector that offers significant value in potential projects moving forward.
“Our priority right now is formulating a competitive proposition which would allow us to expand while maximising opportunities for Scotland’s wind sector and supply chain.
“We recognise the vast potential in collaborating with an energy company like Eni to deliver net zero targets in the North Sea and see this as an opportunity to further champion the transition of its skilled workforce into renewables.
“I come from an oil and gas background, as do many of our team, and we recognise that there are significant learnings and transferable skills the wind industry can benefit from.”
Eni Gas & Luce head of renewables Alessandro Della Zoppa said: “We are glad to enter into a partnership with Red Rock Power for the ScotWind bid.
“Red Rock Power’s team brings significant experience in this sector and specifically in Scotland.
“We are confident that this collaboration will support Eni’s ambition to achieve its renewables targets, as well as contributing to the development of Scotland’s role in the decarbonisation of the North Sea.
“The success of ScotWind will be crucial for developing the local industry in this sector and for positioning new technologies in a growing global market.
“Eni is committed to a Just Transition underlining a constant commitment to enhancing people’s value while seizing the opportunities offered by possible developments in the energy market, this is our driver as we continue our transformation journey.”
Transmission Investment will bring to the ScotWind bid partnership expertise in grid infrastructure, a key area of focus for UK offshore wind and for ScotWind.