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Harnessing the power and potential in our deep waters

By Sian Lloyd-Rees

Managing Director of Aker Offshore Wind UK


The development of offshore windfarms in the deep waters around the British Isles is among the most exciting energy revolutions in the world. At Floating Offshore Wind 2021, we will hear how this industry plans to move from pilot projects to a commercial reality. It is a pivotal moment as we set out a route map to create the power we all need while leading the way on reducing carbon emissions.


At Aker Offshore Wind we are proud to be part of FloatingWind21 and look forward to outlining our vision for the greener future we all want to see. We are a pureplay offshore wind developer striving to create a sustainable future driven by clean energy. We aim to source, develop, and eventually operate deepwater offshore wind projects and become a leader in the production of home-grown renewable energy. We already have a portfolio of development projects and prospects in Europe, North America, and Asia, and in the months ahead we will be heavily focused on the potential here in the UK and Ireland. Our goal is to build on the deepwater capabilities of the Aker companies to drive industrialisation and reduce costs.


To achieve this requires partnership.


That is why we have a bidding consortium with BP and Statkraft to develop offshore wind energy in the Sørlige Nordsjø II (SN2) licence area. It is why we have entered into an agreement with Swedish company Hexicon AB to mature early phase projects in Sweden. And it is why we have teamed up with Ocean Winds for our ScotWind bid.


Artist’s impression of floating offshore wind in deep waters. Copyright: Aker Offshore Wind

The success of ScotWind is based on whether the bidding companies manage to deliver on their promises and have the track record to prove it. The partnership between Aker Offshore Wind and Ocean Winds is one of experience and heritage.


Ocean Winds currently operates Scotland’s largest offshore windfarm, the Moray East project, while at Aker Offshore Wind, through the Aker group of companies, we have decades of experience in innovation and technical know-how. Our experience the Scottish North Sea spans more than 40 years delivering to Scotland’s offshore and oil and gas industries by building a strong local presence and relevant solutions.

We both have the track record which shows how we will make a success of floating offshore wind in Scotland.


Artist’s impression of floating offshore wind in deep waters. Copyright: Aker Offshore Wind

We believe there is a route map to ensure the country maximises value from ScotWind and becomes the undisputed global leader in offshore wind.


1. Investing in the supply chain

The ScotWind leasing round can be a catalyst for industrial development of the Scottish supply chain industry and play a critical role in the transition of the North Sea oil and gas industry to greener pastures.

Fundamental to our bid is early investment in the supply chain, with real economic benefits for the whole of Scotland from the start.

The capability needs to be built in Scotland long before the main project starts to enable effective global competition and affordable electricity generation as projects move into the development phase.

This requires early support in critical areas such as fabrication methods and digital leadership, and we have already signed MoU’s with a large number of suppliers.

By investing early in the supply chain, thousands of jobs will be created in Scotland which are highly-skilled and sustainable, and supported by significant investment in an enduring and comprehensive project.

These jobs will also help transform the national energy supply chain through billions of pounds of investment; something generations now and in the future will benefit from.


2. Investing in people and knowledge

ScotWind will bring in new technology and know-how, but it will be essential to create strong links to research and academic institutions to ensure Scotland maintains and grows the knowledge to support the growth of the industry long term.

Aker Offshore Wind is working with academic institutions and organisations across Scotland to partner and build roadmaps for skills and competency development within local communities in relation to the next evolution of subsea technology.


3. Investing in experience

The success of ScotWind is based on whether the bidding companies manage to deliver on their promises and have the track record to prove it.

The partnership between Aker Offshore Wind and Ocean Winds is one of experience and heritage.

We both have the track record which shows how we will make a success of floating offshore wind in Scotland.


But it is not only in Scotland where floating offshore wind has such potential.

The UK has ambitious plans to reach zero emissions by 2050 with targets of 40GW of offshore wind deployed by 2030. Delivering this will position the UK as a world leader in the industry and organisations with full value chain experience like Aker will be essential ensuring best value creation.


Our vision for the North Sea can be mirrored to the West as well, with early investment in the supply chain delivering real economic benefits in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.We know that we can build on the experience gained in offshore bottom-fixed wind, along with the UK’s expertise in oil and gas development, to make this a success.

Scotland is one step ahead, but there is huge potential for every part of the British Isles.

This conference is an opportunity to present a vision for our energy future.


From the deep seas off the coasts of the British Isles to the fabrication yards and production sites of the mainland, we all stand to benefit from the power and the potential of floating offshore wind. We are privileged to be playing our part.


Floating Offshore Wind 2021 is organised by RenewableUK and Scottish Renewables and takes place from 15- 16 September at P&J Live in Aberdeen. In-person and virtual passes are available - Register today!





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