Plans for Aberdeen’s proposed offshore windfarm received a huge boost today with the news that the European Commission is considering investing 40 million Euros in the project.
A joint venture between AREG (Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group) and Swedish utility company Vattenfall, the Aberdeen windfarm is also working towards gaining demonstrator status from the Crown Estate. This status would propel the project into a new realm in terms of research and development into the latest innovations in technology, skills and manufacturing for offshore wind.
The joint venture partners believe it is this potential of becoming a European test centre that has influenced the EU’s decision on funding.
“This is great news for Aberdeen and Scotland,” said AREG chairman Jeremy Cresswell. “Being considered for European funding on this scale for an energy project is a fabulous opportunity for this region. This is something we can ill-afford to miss out on and all the stakeholders need to work together to deliver the project and secure the significant and sustainable economic benefits that will follow.
“Coupled with the potential for this project to become a European test centre, benefiting local businesses and attracting new players into the region, this funding announcement puts Aberdeen in pole position as a UK renewable energy hub.”
Anders Dahl, Head of Vattenfall Wind Power said "We welcome the EU proposal to consider funding R&D activity at the wind farm we are developing in Aberdeen with AREG and look forward to continue working with stakeholders to explore the best way of taking the project forwards."
The proposed windfarm could involve 23 turbines in a grid formation between one and three miles out to sea stretching about three miles from the Bridge of Don to Blackdog beach.
Since launching the concept in 2004, Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm Ltd – the joint venture between AREG and Vattenfall – has consulted widely with the local community and key stakeholders and is currently working complete all the detailed environmental and engineering assessments and studies to ensure the best possible option for the location of the windfarm.
Today’s announcement brings the plans a significant step forward.
“This is an exciting project with the potential to place Aberdeen firmly at the heart of renewable energy in Scotland and the UK. We look forward to completing all our preparation in the coming months with a view to submitting our consent application towards the end of 2009,” added Iain Todd, renewables champion at AREG.
Aberdeen City Council welcomed the announcement. “The windfarm will significantly contribute to local green energy supply. It will also enhance national security of energy supply, help the region diversify its economy and capitalise on employment opportunities in the sector. We are equally confident about the project’s potential for research and development in renewables, underlining Aberdeen’s position as an energy centre of excellence,” said council leader, Kate Dean.
Professor Paul Mitchell, Director of the University of Aberdeen’s Institute of Energy Technologies and of the pan-Scotland Energy Technology Partnership and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) said: “Scotland’s offshore wind energy potential is huge. This facility will greatly strengthen our opportunities for research and demonstration of wind energy technologies in an offshore situation, transmission of the power to shore, electricity storage, their environmental impact, effects of sediment flow and scour on foundations as well as providing invaluable information on the wind resource.
“The proposed test centre will be a focus for the world class research strengths in wind energy in Aberdeen’s two and Scotland’s other universities and significantly enhance Scotland’s position as Europe’s green energy capital. The centre will also link closely with the Scottish European Green Energy Centre which will be based in Aberdeen.”
Professor Peter Robertson, Vice-Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Commercialisation) at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a Director of AREG commented:
“The announcement of European investment in the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Test Centre represents a fantastic opportunity for moving the renewable energy agenda forward on a European level.
“This investment is an acknowledgement of the significant leadership and contribution made by AREG with respect to renewable energy development in general, but specifically in regard to offshore wind energy and the proposed wind farm. The multidisciplinary partnership within AREG, comprising local government, industry and academia, has enabled Aberdeen City and Shire to be recognised as leaders in renewable energy activity on not just a national, but also an international level.”
The private sector has also welcomed the announcement. Tom Smith, chairman of ACSEF, the economic development partnership said: “While oil and gas will continue to play a major role in our economy diversification into renewables is very much part of our future. We have to grasp the opportunities presented by renewable energy to capitalise on our strong economic position, ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
Chief executive of Subsea UK – the industry body which represents the country’s 750 subsea companies, the majority of whom based in Aberdeen added: “More than ever, particularly in the current climate, we have to look to the long-term and renewables are our future. It is vital that the extensive breadth and depth of expertise, technology and skills in oil and gas is transferred to the renewables sector for mutual benefit. The potential for becoming a European test centre would have a real impact on our subsea companies here in Aberdeen, many of whom already operate in the marine renewable market, and also help attract new investors, particularly in the manufacture of turbines and structures.”
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