Technip joins forces with ScottishPower

FRENCH engineering firm Technip has joined a ScottishPower-led consortium that is bidding for a pair of offshore wind farm licences in France.

Technip, which earlier this year rescued Aberdeen-based under water cable-laying firm Subocean out of administration in a 10 million deal, will be the construction and engineering partner for the group, which also involves turbine maker Areva.

The news came as First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday officially opened Technip's offshore wind headquarters in Aberdeen, which had been announced in February 2010.

Keith Anderson, chief executive of ScottishPower Renewables and also head of Spanish parent company Iberdrola's Glasgow-based Global Offshore Division, said: "Technip's offshore wind offices in Aberdeen are a welcome addition to Scotland's growing renewable energy sector. We established our global headquarters for offshore wind in Glasgow over a year ago and, since then, a number of world-leading companies have set-up offices in Scotland.

"We are also very pleased to welcome Technip into our consortium to bid for offshore wind projects in France. As a well-established company, with a strong presence in France and in all major energy capitals they are an ideal partner to help us bid for these major projects."

Ron Cookson, senior vice-president at Technip Offshore Wind, said: "Joining the consortium represents a key milestone for us."