Atkins has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Scottish and Southern Energy PLC (SSE) to join a framework of key suppliers designed to help to drive efficiencies in its offshore wind programme. Atkins’ proposed role will include the provision of expert engineering design advice as part of an alliance of leading companies who are supporting SSE in its drive to boost its renewable energy provision.
Martin Grant, managing director of Atkins’ energy division, said: “This alliance reinforces our commitment to helping the UK’s energy providers to realise their ambition of delivering electricity from offshore wind schemes on a significant scale. The challenges faced are similar to those the oil industry dealt with when it started developing the North Sea as a major source of energy in the 1970s, and due to our long term involvement in that sector we have a wealth of expertise we can bring to the table. The economics of offshore wind are key to its long term future and SSE’s approach should deliver the right framework for success.”
Atkins’ MoU agreement with Scottish and Southern Energy PLC has also been replicated by SSE with Burntisland Fabrications Ltd, Siemens plc, Siemens Transmission and Distribution Limited and Subsea 7 Limited.
The supplier framework will form an offshore wind alliance designed to help secure substantial reductions in the cost of delivered power from offshore wind farms. Over the next few months, the parties will all work closely together to agree the formal commercial arrangements of the alliance before embarking on design activities.
Jim Smith, director of offshore renewables at SSE, said: “The energy potential of offshore wind is vast, and in a resource- and carbon-constrained world it is potential we need to fulfil. In doing so, we need to make sure we maximise value and create a sustainable supply chain.
“This innovative alliance brings together leading players in offshore wind and offshore oil & gas, with vast experience in energy, engineering and construction. It should result in the kind of collaborative approach to the big issues that is necessary to make offshore wind the long term success it can and should be.”
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Source: atkinsglobal, January 20, 2011