Offshore staff
PARIS – Total has signed an agreement with developer Simply Blue Energy to acquire an 80% stake in the floating wind project Erebus in the Celtic Sea, offshore Wales.
The facility, which will be installed in a water depth of 70 m (230 ft), will have a 96-MW capacity.
Total said the UK was the world’s largest offshore wind market, and that although most developments to date have been in shallow waters, based on fixed bottom technology, floating wind offshore appears set for strong growth.
This technology has the potential to open access to locations farther offshore, which have less impact on the landscape, as well as stronger wind resources.
According to Simply Blue, the WindFloat floating foundation for offshore wind turbines cuts environmental risk and cost.
This is due to its relatively simple assembly and installation requirements, with all heavy lifting operations performed in a protected environment on dry land (i.e. at the port) using onshore cranes and transportation methods such as tugboats, instead of more costly offshore installation vessels.
“Total has the appropriate skills to meet the technological and financial requirements that determine the success of future floating offshore developments,” said Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and CEO.
03/19/2020
