Technical Summary
Proven technology repurposed to reliably deliver floating offshore wind.
Generation System
The floating foundation is called the Tri-Floater and is designed following a recognised DNV certification process and in accordance with the relevant DNV design codes for FLOW.
It is anticipated that 18MW turbine units will be used for the project. Performance of the unit has been modelled against the site specific metocean conditions delivering class-leading capacity factors and site energy density.
Tri-floater
Development of a large-scale offshore windfarm lends itself to ‘production line’ efficiencies when considering the significant floating foundation and wind turbine generator elements. Key to enable efficiencies will be the assembly of fabricated mega blocks into the Tri Floater, followed by the integration of the wind turbine tower, nacelle and blades in port prior to tow-out to the Aspen field. Cerulean and our Trifloater Contractor have selected the Port of Ardersier to undertake these key elements of work.
The Port of Ardersier
Transmission System
The Aspen Project philosophy for the transmission system has focused on utilisation of proven products, simplified system design, reliability and commonality of components. Synergies with both existing fixed wind developments and O&G have been incorporated into the design. This provides both maturity and robustness to the project.
Key to the enablement of providing the electrification opportunity to Central North Sea Oil and and Gas operators is providing a reliable offshore electrical transmission system.
The link to onshore grid is via a 220kV HVAC export system. Power collection from the wind turbine strings will be at 66kV. Siemen OTM technology will be used at the offshore substation location.
Oil and Gas Electrification Enablement
Aspen has the ability to connect to many of the Central North Sea oil and gas producing facilities, providing green power and enabling significant decarbonisation of oil and gas production, as required under the North Sea Transition Deal.
O&G Facilities within 150km of the Aspen Site
Key Drivers for O&G to Electrify
In March 2024 the NSTA published the OGA Plan to reduce UKCS greenhouse gas emissions.