The world’s largest floating wind farm

It’s pretty windy off the coast of Scotland. And if you’re from Scotland you’ll know the phrase, “it’s blowing a hooley!”. As one of the windiest countries in Europe, there is huge potential to capture and use this green energy.

“As Saudi Arabia is to oil, the UK is to wind - a place of almost limitless resource, but in the case of wind without the carbon emissions and without the damage to the environment”. Boris Johnson.

In 2020, over 97% of Scotland’s electricity came from renewable energy sources. So it’s no surprise that investments are being made in this area. In particular the very recent installation and operation of the largest floating wind farm in the world.

The Kincardine Offshore Wind Farm is 9 miles off the coast of Aberdeenshire in water ranging from 60m - 80m. It will power over 50,000 homes a year and comprises 6 turbines mounted on semi-submersible platforms.

Floating turbines can be installed in deeper waters and therefore have access to higher speed and more consistent wind than fixed ones closer to the shoreline.

A large offshore wind farm is being planned to be built off the Yorkshire coast. Called Dogger Bank, it will use the biggest turbines in the world and be able to generate enough renewable energy to power 4.5m UK homes!

You can read more about the benefits of wind power here

Credit to First Subsea and thanks for all photos provided.