Mainstream Renewable Power, a global renewable energy company, and Ocean Winds, an international joint venture between EDPR and ENGIE focused on offshore wind energy, have joined forces to expand the Arven Offshore Wind Farm off the east coast of Shetland.
This collaboration will add a second ScotWind site with a capacity of 500 MW, thereby increasing the total footprint of the Arven project to an impressive 2.3 GW.
The Arven Offshore Wind Farm encompasses two distinct sites. The first site, a substantial 1.8 GW installation located east of the Shetland Islands, was secured through a 50:50 partnership between Mainstream and Ocean Winds as part of the ScotWind leasing process in 2022. In a separate allocation, Ocean Winds secured a 500 MW site in the same NE1 block. Mainstream has now completed the acquisition of a 50 percent shareholding in Ocean Wind’s holding company, enabling the two sites to be jointly developed to optimize their potential.
The partnership between Mainstream and Ocean Winds has a history of collaboration. Presently, the companies are collaborating on the development of a 1.2 GW floating offshore wind farm in South Korea, and they are also part of a consortium for the forthcoming Utsira Nord floating offshore wind tender in Norway.
By expanding their partnership to encompass the two Shetland sites, Mainstream and Ocean Winds aim to capitalize on their combined expertise. This approach will yield benefits for both the local communities and Scotland as a whole, create employment opportunities within the supply chain, and contribute to the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
Early-stage local engagement has already commenced, including meetings with supply chain partners, local authorities, and representatives from the fisheries industry.
Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds, stated, “The collaboration between Ocean Winds and Mainstream Renewable Power marks a significant milestone, combining our expertise and resources to develop our largest floating offshore wind farm to date. This experienced partnership will capitalize on delivery experience both in Scotland and internationally.”
Tove Roskaft, Head of Offshore Wind for Mainstream, emphasized the unique advantages of the Arven project, including its scale, exceptional wind resource, and viable routes to market. Roskaft highlighted Mainstream’s successful track record in Scotland and the UK, having developed projects such as Neart na Gaoithe and the Hornsea zone, which is currently the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm. She conveyed the company’s commitment, alongside Ocean Winds, to continue engagement with key stakeholders and Crown Estate Scotland.