Source Galileo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Portland Port, a commercial port on the south coast of England, to maximising opportunities for offshore wind development in the area.
Source Galileo is developing the 2GW offshore wind project PortWind off Dorset in the English Channel.
The non-exclusive MoU with Portland Port aims to enhance opportunities for offshore wind development off the Dorset coast with associated enhanced port infrastructure, supply chain and community benefits onshore.
Portland Port has a history of servicing the offshore wind sector and is in discussions with potential partners to enable and support the future construction and operation of offshore wind developments in the English Channel.
With deep-water berths and quayside space, Portland Port has the capacity and capability to host construction and operational headquarters, as well as support accommodation and transport solutions.
Offshore wind and port infrastructure are key components of Dorset’s Clean Energy Super Cluster, which “seeks to drive economic transformation to power the future and open up new opportunities for training and employment for local communities”.
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, has a 20% stake in the UK offshore wind projects of Source Galileo, which includes the PortWind project.
The project has secured a 2.5GW grid connection into the Chickerell 400kV substation, near Weymouth, which includes provision for a 350MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
The project is at an early stage of development and any project development area will be subject to a future leasing round by the Crown Estate.
Garrett Morrison (second from right), Chief Development Officer at Source Galileo, said: “Source Galileo is developing a portfolio of projects that will generate substantial clean renewable energy direct to homes and businesses across the UK.
“We look forward to working with Portland Port and collaborating with wider potential partners to develop solutions that will assist the UK Government to attract international investment, accelerate delivery of offshore wind projects, contribute to energy security, support supply chain development, training and job creation in Dorset at the wider South West.”
Ian McQuade (centre), General Manager – Commercial, Portland Port, said: “The Portland Port team are committed to working with Source Galileo and wider partners to champion renewable energy deployment in the English Channel, serviced from the port to secure positive benefits for Dorset businesses and communities.
“It is still early days for the PortWind project but this MoU shows the direction of travel and supports our Green Energy Island aspiration for Portland to become a leading renewable energy hub on the south coast.”