Arven Offshore Wind Farm : Mainstream Renewable Power, Ocean Winds expand ScotWind site to 2.3GW

Mainstream Renewable Power and Ocean Winds, major players in the renewable energy sector, have announced a joint venture to develop a second ScotWind site with a capacity of 500MW located east of Shetland. This venture will enlarge the Arven Offshore Wind Farm’s total footprint to an impressive 2.3GW.

The Arven Offshore Wind Farm has two primary components. Initially, a 1.8GW site located east of the Shetland Islands was entrusted to the joint venture, a 50:50 collaboration between Mainstream and Ocean Winds during the ScotWind leasing process in 2022. In addition to this, Ocean Winds secured a 500MW site in the same NE1 block. With Mainstream’s recent acquisition of a 50% shareholding in Ocean Wind’s parent company, these sites are now on track for joint development, aimed at optimizing their potential.

Both companies have had a longstanding relationship, with current undertakings including a 1.2GW floating offshore wind farm in South Korea and a consortium for the imminent Utsira Nord floating offshore wind tender located in Norway. By expanding their collaboration to the sites off Shetland, both companies aim to utilize their combined expertise to not only benefit Shetland and Scotland but also generate employment opportunities. This move is aligned with the UK’s ambition of achieving net zero.

Engagement with local authorities, supply chain partners, and fisheries representatives has already commenced.

Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with Mainstream Renewable Power is monumental. By pooling our resources and expertise, we’re gearing up to establish our largest floating offshore wind farm yet. We’ve initiated surveys and an early local engagement program, inclusive of the fishing sector, ensuring our commitment to working hand-in-hand with the local community in fostering this enlarged Arven project. It will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the energy transition.”

Echoing this sentiment, Tove Røskaft, Head of Offshore Wind for Mainstream, said, “Arven is poised to offer an unrivaled combination of large-scale operations, superior wind resources, and market avenues. With Mainstream’s commendable track record in Scotland and the UK, which includes the development of the world’s largest operating offshore wind farm, the Hornsea zone, this continues to be a pivotal offshore wind market for us. Collaboratively with Ocean Winds, we’re keen on extending our discussions with Crown Estate Scotland and other significant stakeholders.”