Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL), a joint venture partnership formed between SSE Renewables (75%) and Repsol Nuevas Energias UK (25%), announced that Wick Harbour is likely to become the future location of the Beatrice offshore wind farm Operation and Maintenance base (O&M).
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been finalised with Wick Harbour Authority and BOWL this week.
Subject to a positive final investment decision, the Beatrice project, which was consented by Marine Scotland in March 2014, and granted an Investment Contract by the UK government in May 2014, is planned for construction in 2016. As well as generating up to 664MW of renewable electricity if constructed, the project is expected to bring a range of socio economic benefits to both the Moray and Highland regions including job creation, skills training opportunities and opportunities for local businesses through SSE’s Open4Business events and online portal. Further details on specific opportunities in each region will be announced as the project makes progress towards construction.
Richard Escott, Head of Offshore Development for SSE Renewables, said:
“MoU has been signed with Wick Harbour Authority that could see Beatrice base its O&M facilities at Wick Harbour should a positive final investment decision be made on the project in 2016. It has been a lengthy process and the O&M options for the BOWL project have been investigated thoroughly using a strict set of criteria for local ports and harbours based on our business needs and our safety policy.
Out of all the locations investigated, Wick presented the best fit for our project and we are hugely impressed by the existing facilities on offer.”
Press Release, July 30, 2014; Image: wickharbour