Under the ocean, Aker Offshore Wind is planning a brand new innovation: a subsea power plant.
This multi-million dollar project could open up significant export opportunities for Scottish companies.
A technological innovation
According to Sian Lloyd-Rees, Managing Director of Aker Offshore Wind UK, this is a “world-leading innovation”.
Whereas power plants are normally installed above sea level, this one will use the advantages of the seabed.
Seawater, for example, can be used for natural cooling and temperature stabilization, which means less maintenance and greater savings.
Aker Offshore Wind is also developing the floating wind turbine innovation.
This is a response to the problem of deep-water wind turbines, which account for 80% of the world’s wind resources.
Beyond a depth of 60 meters, fixed foundations are no longer suitable.
Aker Offshore Wind in partnership with other companies
To realize this project, the company can rely on its sister company, Aker Solution.
A pioneer in subsea construction, Aker Solution is considered a key supplier to UK wind projects.
The company will deliver the subsea stations from its facilities in Aberdeen.
The project is also part of the ScotWind process with which Ocean Winds is associated to supply 6000 MW of energy.
With both companies having experience in the North Sea, this association would enable millions of homes to be supplied with renewable energy.
Beyond this opportunity, Aker Offshore Wind argues that the project would create a number of jobs and opportunities.
According to Lloyd-Rees, it could enable Scotland and the UK to become the world leader in floating offshore wind turbines.
