Floating wind turbines proposed for sea off Caithness

A proposal for wind floating wind turbines off Scotland's north coast has been put forward by a Swedish design firm.

An artist's impression of the proposed wind turbines. Picture: Hexicon AB

Stockholm-based Hexicon AB is hopeful of getting the go-ahead for two turbines off the coast of Dounreay, in Caithness, with a proposed start date of June 2018.

The Dounreay Tri Floating Wind Demonstration Project consists of one semi-submersible platform and two wind turbines, with a total capacity of between eight and 12 megawatts; one subsea cable to bring the power to shore and infrastructure allowing the firm to connect the project at or near the existing substation at Dounreay.

A planning application has been submitted to Marine Scotland, while the Scottish government along with Highland and Orkney Islands councils have also been contacted.

Anders Barne, chairman of Dounreay Tri, said: “Scotland has a fantastic wind resource and the right policies to develop offshore wind as a

competitive energy source.

“Dounreay Trì can contribute to that vision bringing clean energy, employment opportunities and an attractive investment.”

Director of WWF Scotland Lang Banks welcomed the proposal, adding: “Successfully developing floating turbines could enable Scotland and other nations to secure even more clean power from offshore wind in the future.”