Floating wind turbines proposed for sea off Caithness
Stockholm-based Hexicon AB is hopeful of getting the go-ahead for two turbines off the coast of Dounreay, in Caithness, with a proposed start date of June 2018.
The Dounreay Tri Floating Wind Demonstration Project consists of one semi-submersible platform and two wind turbines, with a total capacity of between eight and 12 megawatts; one subsea cable to bring the power to shore and infrastructure allowing the firm to connect the project at or near the existing substation at Dounreay.
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Hide AdA planning application has been submitted to Marine Scotland, while the Scottish government along with Highland and Orkney Islands councils have also been contacted.
Anders Barne, chairman of Dounreay Tri, said: “Scotland has a fantastic wind resource and the right policies to develop offshore wind as a
competitive energy source.
“Dounreay Trì can contribute to that vision bringing clean energy, employment opportunities and an attractive investment.”
Director of WWF Scotland Lang Banks welcomed the proposal, adding: “Successfully developing floating turbines could enable Scotland and other nations to secure even more clean power from offshore wind in the future.”