International wind and solar project developer Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds, the joint venture of EDPR and ENGIE for offshore wind energy, have joined forces for another floating offshore wind project.
Specifically, this involves the development of a second 500 MW floating offshore wind farm site east of the Shetland Islands as part of the ScotWind program. This brings the total capacity of the Arven offshore wind farm to 2,300 MW (2.3 GW).
The Arven offshore wind farm now comprises two sites. The first is the 1.8 GW site east of the Shetland Islands, which was awarded to the 50:50 joint venture between Mainstream and Ocean Winds in 2022 as part of the ScotWind lease process.
Separately, Ocean Winds has been awarded a 500 MW site in the same NE1 area. Mainstream Renewable Power has now completed the acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Ocean Winds’ holding company.
The companies now aim to combine expertise and resources to jointly develop both sites and deliver the largest floating offshore project to date in the history of the two companies.
Mainstream and Ocean Winds already have a long-standing partnership. The companies are currently developing a 1.2 GW floating offshore wind farm in South Korea. In addition, the companies are part of a consortium for the upcoming tender for the Utsira Nord floating offshore wind farm in Norway.
Mainstream and Ocean Winds have already begun initial discussions with supply chain partners, local authorities and fisheries representatives.
“This experienced partnership will capitalise on delivery experience both in Scotland and internationally,” said Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager at Ocean Winds, welcoming the collaboration. “Mainstream has a solid track record in Scotland and the UK, having successfully developed the Neart na Gaoithe and the Hornsea zone which is the world’s largest offshore wind farm in operation. This remains a core offshore wind market for Mainstream and we look forward, together with Ocean Winds, to continuing our engagements with Crown Estate Scotland and other key stakeholders”, adds Head of Offshore Wind at Mainstream Tove Røskaft.
