The BlueFloat Energy and Renantis partnership has signed exclusivity agreements with Crown Estate Scotland to develop its Sinclair and Scaraben innovation projects which will now be part of a phased delivery of the partnership’s Broadshore project.

The two 99.5 MW floating offshore wind farms will now be developed as part of a phased delivery of the partnership’s Broadshore project, located 47 kilometres north of Fraserburgh.

Sinclair and Scaraben will explore innovative foundation technologies, associated fabrication works, and mooring systems with a view to maximise opportunities for the Scottish supply chain, driving local investment and job creation, said the partners.

The BlueFloat Energy and Renantis partnership was one of 13 applicants that were selected in the world’s first leasing round designed to enable offshore wind energy to directly supply offshore oil and gas platforms.

“Securing exclusivity to develop close to 200 MW of floating offshore wind provides our Partnership with a fantastic opportunity to trial and de-risk new technology in this emerging market“, said David Robertson, Project Director.

“We are also exploring a fresh approach to community ownership of offshore wind projects, ensuring as many people as possible can benefit from the energy transition in Scotland.”

The partnership’s INTOG bid success builds on its existing 3.1 GW portfolio of ScotWind projects comprising the 1.2 GW Bellrock project and the 900 MW Broadshore project. The partners are also developing the 1 GW Stromar project in collaboration with Ørsted.

In the Celtic Sea, the partnership is preparing to enter two 1 GW projects, Petroc and Llywelyn into the upcoming seabed auction by The Crown Estate.