BW Ideol agreement paves the way for wind farm manufacturing to begin at Ardersier
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The former fabrication yard at Ardersier could soon be manufacturing parts for offshore wind farms, following an agreement between Ardersier Port Authority and renewable energy developer BW Ideol.
The deal gives the French-based company exclusive and long-term access to Ardersier Port for the manufacturing of concrete floating platforms to provide a base for offshore wind turbines.
Both parties have agreed to explore practicalities of setting up a production line dedicated to the delivery of locally manufactured floating wind substructures based on BW Ideol’s Damping Pool design.
Comprising 400 acres of port area with access to a 2.2km quay, the Ardersier Port site is the largest brownfield port in the United Kingdom.
It has been identified as one of just three sites on the east coast of the United Kingdom with the size, scale, shape, and location capable of being an offshore renewable energy hub port.
Dredging work is scheduled to begin at the port next month, with an aimed for completion by August 2022.
BW chief executive Paul de la Guérivière commented: “The Scottish Government has actively initiated the development of a large floating wind industry in Scotland through the Scotwind Leasing and the launch of a consultation for a new sectoral marine plan for offshore wind for innovation and targeted oil and gas decarbonisation.
"This pipeline of projects represents a unique opportunity to create a dedicated supply chain in Scotland. Faithful to its industry-leading track record in terms of local value creation, BW Ideol hereby reaffirms its strong commitment to manufacture floaters in Scotland, creating a sustainable floating wind industry maximising local content in the process.”
Steven Regan of Ardersier Port Authority stated: “The UK has set a world leading net zero target to build back better which means building back greener. This strategic partnership allows us to work towards bringing an essential manufacturing facility to Scotland which complements our vision of using circular economy practices to deliver the United Kingdoms Energy Transition plans.
"At Ardersier we will deliver a world class multi disciplinary facility of a unique scale that will provide long term sustainable benefits to clients and communities.”
BW Ideol, together with Elicio and BayWa r.e., is part of the Floating Energy Allyance, a partnership that has submitted applications to Scotwind Leasing and has estimated it could create almost 4000 jobs in Scotland at the peak of manufacturing and construction, if successful in winning development rights..
