Construction of world's largest floating windfarm to bring 200 jobs to highlands

Up to 200 jobs will be created in the highlands after the completion of the world’s largest floating windfarm.

Kishorn Dry Dock in the north west highlands will be used for Kincardine Offshore’s development of eight turbines off the coast of Aberdeen, with work beginning in August.

The first turbine of the 50MW array is expected to be in the water in the second quarter of 2018.

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Kishorn Port was historically an oil and gas fabrication yard, used for the casting of the 600,000-tonne Ninian Central platform in the late 1970s.

The last time the port’s two 13,000 tonne dock gates were moved was in 1994, when the two concrete foundation caissons for the Skye Bridge were floated out.

Lindsay Roberts, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said: "This announcement shows clearly the way in which renewable energy developments are supporting sustainable, clean growth across Scotland.

"Kishorn's transformation from an oil and gas hub to renewables also reflects a diversification which is being seen across the energy industry as a direct result of continued investment in green energy projects.

"Technological advances and rapid cost reductions are demonstrating that a modern, low-carbon energy system offers increasing potential to improve the competitiveness of our economy while delivering investment and employment across the UK. Scotland’s towns, cities, islands and  rural areas are at the heart of much of this activity."

The development will prevent 94,500 tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere every year.

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse welcomed the deal.

He said: “This agreement paves the way for work to begin at Kishorn Dry Dock for the first time in 25 years, constructing the Kincardine Floating Offshore Windfarm, which will produce enough electricity to power almost 56,000 homes.

“As outlined in our new draft Energy Strategy, both fixed and floating offshore wind technologies are set to take an increasingly important role in the generation of renewable electricity. With 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential, and through development with due regard to our natural environment, Scotland is strongly positioned to maximise the economic and environmental benefits that both technologies can deliver.

“The Scottish Government is determined to ensure projects deliver supply chain jobs in communities across Scotland and we have been encouraging developers to do all they can to maximise their economic impact, so today’s agreement is very welcome.”