Aker Horizons-controlled Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds, a joint venture between France’s Engie and Portuguese electric utilities company EDP, have partnered to develop a second ScotWind site of 500 MW east of Shetland, expanding the overall footprint of the Arven floating offshore wind farm to 2.3 GW.
Arven comprises two sites: a 1.8 GW project east of the Shetland Islands, which was awarded to the 50:50 joint venture between Mainstream and Ocean Winds as part of the ScotWind leasing process in 2022. Separately, Ocean Winds was awarded a 500 MW site in the same block in which Mainstream has now completed its acquisition of a 50% shareholding for an undisclosed sum.
Once operational, the combined Arven project has the capacity to generate enough energy to power up to 2m homes. The partners have initiated early-stage local engagement, meeting with supply chain partners, local authorities and fisheries representatives.
“Arven offers a unique combination of scale, world-class wind resources, and routes to market that enable it to deliver a range of compelling benefits for the good of Shetland, Scotland and the UK, said Tove Røskaft, head of offshore wind at Mainstream.
Mainstream already has a presence in Scotland and the UK, having developed the Neart na Gaoithe and the Hornsea zones, 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,” added Røskaft.
