Total, Simply Blue Energy plan 96-MW floating wind demo in Welsh waters

French energy major Total SA (EPA:FP) has teamed up with Simply Blue Energy to develop a floating wind project in the Welsh waters of the Celtic Sea utilising Principle Power’s WindFloat technology.

The partnership established by the two companies has submitted an application to the Crown Estate for a 96-MW demonstration project known as Erebus. The plan is to deploy turbines at water depths of 70 metres (229.7 ft).

Simply Blue Energy said in a statement it has opened an office in Pembroke to work with the local supply chain on opportunities arising from this project. The company quoted a recent report by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, which estimates that the first gigawatt of power generating capacity in the Celtic Sea could potentially deliver 3,000 jobs and GBP 682 million (USD 807m/EUR 739.7m) in supply chain opportunities for Wales and Cornwall over the next ten years.

“Floating offshore wind is an extremely promising and technical segment where Total brings its extensive expertise in offshore operations & maintenance,” commented Patrick Pouyanne, chairman and CEO of Total.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.184/EUR 1.085)

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