Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds, an EDPR and ENGIE JV, have partnered to develop a second ScotWind site of 500 MW in east of Shetland bringing the Arven Offshore Wind Farm to a capacity of 2.3 GW.
Comprising of two sites, the first Arven site is the 1.8 GW site east of the Shetland Islands which was awarded to the 50:50 JV between Mainstream and Ocean Winds, as part of the ScotWind leasing process in 2022. Ocean Winds was awarded a separate 500 MW site in the same NE1 block. Mainstream has acquired a 50% shareholding in Ocean Wind's holding company, and the two sites will be developed together.
"Mainstream has a solid track record in Scotland and the UK, having successfully developed the Neart na Gaoithe and the Hornsea zone which is the world's largest offshore wind farm in operation,” said Tove Røskaft, Head of Offshore Wind for Mainstream. “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."
As part of the development, Mainstream and Ocean Winds will not only utilize their combined expertise to maximize benefits for Shetland and Scotland but also create supply chain opportunities and jobs for the UK's net zero ambition.
Currently, both companies are developing a 1.2 GW floating offshore wind farm in South Korea and are in a consortium for the upcoming Utsira Nord floating offshore wind tender in Norway.
"We have already commenced surveys and a program of early local engagement, including the fishing industry, and we are committed to working closely with the local community in developing this larger Arven project, which will be a significant driver for the energy transition,” said Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds.
