Hundreds of new Scots jobs as world’s biggest offshore windfarm gets go-ahead

HUNDREDS of new jobs could be coming to Scotland after plans to build the world’s largest offshore windfarm were approved.

The massive floating power plant will be located off the coast of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire.

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Green Volt – which is owned 50 per cent each by Aberdeen-based Flotation Energy and Norwegian firm Vargronn – are behind the new commercial-scale site.

Northeast energy tycoon Sir Ian Wood said the news will trigger up to £3billion in investment, hailing the decision as a “massive boost” for the region.

The businessman also said the project will create hundreds of jobs.

Sir Ian, who is also chair of the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), said: “The awarding of consent for the Green Volt INTOG project is a massive boost for Scotland’s ambition to be a global leader in floating offshore wind.

“This decision will unlock around £3bn of investment, generate hundreds of jobs and will effectively result in Europe’s first commercial scale floating wind development.

“Crucially, it also sends a huge signal to domestic and international investors that Scotland is indeed a pioneer in this technology and the ideal location to manufacture and deliver floating wind developments.”

The windfarm located off of Aberdeenshire’s east coast will have up to 35 turbines at a power of 560 MW.

The announcement has been described as an “essential stepping stone” towards the transition between Aberdeenshire’s oil and gas industries towards greener and cleaner energies on a larger scale.

It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by one million tonnes per year.

First Minister Humza Yousaf – who last week scaled back on the SNP/Green Government‘s flagship target to reduce emissions – welcomed the move.

Mr Yousaf said: “It is great news that we have consented the first project in the Crown Estate Scotland’s Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round – this is a significant milestone which will help secure Scotland’s place at the forefront of floating wind technology.

“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to develop offshore wind and its supply chain, and we are determined to maximise the huge economic opportunity offshore wind can bring.”

It is hoped the new project will position Scotland as the hope of future offshore wind jobs.

Flotation Energy chief executive Lord Nicol Stephen said: “It is fantastic to have received the green light to deliver the world’s biggest floating offshore wind project right here in the Scottish North Sea.

“This major milestone places Flotation Energy and our joint venture partner, Vargronn, firmly at the heart of the energy transition.

“Flotation Energy is headquartered in Scotland with its roots firmly in Aberdeen and the north-east.

We are already drawing on the world class energy skills and experience of the region – and now look forward to doing far more.”

Vargronn CEO Olav Hetland added: “With Green Volt being Europe’s first commercial-scale floating wind project, achieving offshore consent for the project marks an important moment for the whole offshore wind industry.

“Floating wind is set to be a huge global market in the decades to come. By being a frontrunner, Scotland is now positioned to be home to world-leading expertise and a whole industry of new jobs.

“Green Volt will deploy pioneering technology at an unprecedented scale, advancing what is possible in renewable energy.”