Naval Energies joins DeepWind cluster

Scotland is aiming to be carbon neutral by 2045, with offshore wind as a key ingredient in its energy mix, as evidenced by the launch of the large-scale ScotWind Leasing Round. To support this ambition, a strong, dedicated supply chain is essential. This has been achieved by the creation of a new industry body, the DeepWind cluster, with the main objective of developing a significant offshore wind energy supply chain. It is also tasked with encouraging innovation and, more generally, economic growth through the development of the offshore wind sector. Created in April 2019, it brings together more than 340 members from industry, academia and the public sector with the aim of increasing the competitiveness and capability of the Scottish supply chain. It is to help further this aim that Naval Energies joins the DeepWind cluster.

Naval Energies thus joins in the development of the floating wind sector in Scotland, where the company will be able to offer its semi-submersible floater. Among the advantages of its technology: a modular and versatile design that can be adapted to the many players involved in the ScotWind leasing round and an industrialisation as close as possible to the area of operation, which allows for a high level of local content, which is particularly expected in the context of these calls for tenders.

The Scottish Government, through Crown Estate Scotland which is responsible for the management of the seabed in Scotland, officially launched the offshore wind round, ScotWind, on 10 June. This new round is aiming to reach a capacity of up to 10 GW over a maritime area of approximately 8600 km². It is intended for both bottom fixed and floating offshore wind projects but with a focus on floating projects as the majority of the areas offered are in water depths greater than 60 m.

DeepWind is one of the eight clusters formed as part of the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, which itself is part of the UK’s Industrial Strategy. The DeepWind Cluster is currently being managed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, as it has a hub and spoke approach that covers both enterprise company areas. The ‘hub’ covers four of the local council areas – Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Highland and Moray and they sit on the DeepWind Steering Group. The cluster is not restricted to these geographies and is open to all companies in Scotland that are either already in offshore wind or companies with an interest in entering this market.

Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/wind/16072020/naval-energies-joins-deepwind/