Deepwater wind test site moves closer to delivery off Orkney

The European Marine Energy Centre

The next phase of development has begun on a proposed UK deepwater and floating wind test site designed to support the future of offshore wind deployment.

European Marine Energy Centre has launched an 18 month programme to progress its DeepWind test facility from concept towards delivery.

The project is supported by 50% match funding through The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator and builds on EMEC’s earlier concept design work.

As offshore wind development in the UK moves into deeper waters, developers are increasingly seeking environments that reflect the challenging metocean conditions expected in future commercial projects.

EMEC said existing test sites in Europe do not fully replicate the conditions faced by projects in the UK pipeline, creating a gap in technology testing and risk reduction.

To address this, EMEC has identified a potential site around 20 km west of Orkney with suitable water depths, seabed characteristics and wind conditions.

The £500,000 programme will focus on feasibility studies, design scoping and engagement with industry to define infrastructure needs and operational requirements.

Work will also include early stage environmental activity, with surveys covering bathymetry, sub bottom profiling and monitoring of birds and marine mammals.

EMEC said this will help inform future consenting and ensure the site aligns with environmental and regulatory expectations.

The DeepWind site could play a key role in attracting investment, reducing risk for floating wind technologies and reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in offshore wind innovation.