The world’s first floating wind farm is being built off the north-east coast of Scotland, in a trial which will bring power to 20,000 homes.
The wind farm, dubbed Hywind, is currently under development, with one turbine already in place and an additional four waiting in a Norwegian fjord.
It is hoped that by the end of the month, after having been towed more than 15 miles off Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, all five turbines will be in place.
The new wind farm will be built in waters that are too deep for existing bottom-standing turbines, with the 175m turbines boasting blades which are each 75m long. The box behind the blades, known as the nacelle, is big enough to hold two double-decker buses, according to the BBC.
Leif Delp, Project director, Hywind said: “This is a tech development project to ensure it’s working in open sea conditions. It’s a game-changer for floating wind power and we are sure it will help bring costs down.”
Norwegian manufacturer Statoil, which is building the farm, says that the output from the turbines will potentially surpass the output from current turbines. This prediction could potentially become reality thanks to Scotland’s reputation as an excellent location for renewable energy generation – thanks in large parts to its strong winds off the coast.
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Last month alone, Scotland produced enough renewable energy to power 118% of Scottish households.
When the initiative was initially announced, Amber Rudd, who was then British Energy and Climate Change Secretary, said:
“This is fantastic news for Scotland and the whole of the UK, demonstrating that we are open for business and that the UK’s offshore wind industry continues to go from strength to strength.
“This exciting project is a great example of how innovation can help to power our homes and add to our energy mix – offering clean, secure energy to Britain’s hardworking families and businesses.”
