Green light for Scottish floating offshore wind project

With onshore consent announced earlier this month, Green Volt has now received all its planning approvals and remains on track to be the first commercial-scale offshore windfarm in Europe.

“It is fantastic to have received the green light to deliver the world’s biggest floating offshore wind project, right here in the Scottish North Sea. This major milestone places Flotation Energy and our Joint Venture Partner, Vårgrønn, firmly at the heart of the energy transition,” said Nicol Stephen, CEO at Flotation Energy.

“Green Volt is of international significance, placing Scotland at the leading edge of a new floating wind sector. This multi-billion pound development can now move forward confidently, creating hundreds of local jobs and proving that the UK and Scottish supply chain is ready to deliver commercial scale floating projects, at pace.

Speedily approved

The Green Volt project, 50% owned by Flotation Energy and 50% by Vårgrønn, has been granted consent just over a year after seabed exclusivity was awarded.

When completed, Green Volt will include up to 35 floating wind turbines, providing up to 560 MW of renewable energy capacity.

As part of Crown Estate Scotland’s Innovation and Targeted Oil & Gas (INTOG) leasing round, the project will deliver renewable electricity to oil and gas platforms, replacing existing natural gas and diesel power generation.

Green Volt will also provide electricity to the UK grid. Green Volt will reduce carbon emissions by 1m tonnes per annum.

As part of the North Sea Transition Deal, oil and gas operators have agreed to deliver 50% reduction in offshore greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

A new emission reduction plan published by North Sea Transition Authority in March 2024 places electrification of offshore platforms at the centre of emissions reductions.The floating offshore wind project, Green Volt, led by Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn, has been granted offshore planning approval.