EMEC finalizes concept design on 100 MW floating wind test site

European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has completed the concept design for a new 100 MW floating offshore wind test and demonstration site around 20 km west of Orkney, Scotland in the UK. The company intends to get a lease for a site further out to sea than its current wave energy test facility at Billa Croo.

The proposed test site for EMEC will have six berths for floating offshore wind turbines with a maximum rated capacity of 20 MW. Four of the six berths will be connected to the grid, while the other two will be used for alternative applications such as hydrogen generation.

With water depths of 80–95 m, big waves, and an average wind speed of 10.7 m/s, the site will provide floating wind developers with conditions similar to those in ScotWind, Celtic Seas, and future leasing rounds. 

After extensive research and engagement with the industry, the set-up and configuration of the site have been fine-tuned to fit the sector's current and future needs. Over the next 20 years, more than 25 GW of floating wind will be installed in UK waters.