Project Nuada

Accessing next generation, low-carbon wind energy in deeper waters

The UK is already a global leader in offshore wind energy with more installed capacity than any other country. Virtually all wind farms deployed so far use turbines fixed to the seabed. This approach is feasible in water depths of up to about 30 metres; it becomes technically challenging to install fixed offshore turbines in depths of 50 metres and beyond.

By using floating offshore wind platforms, we can access stronger winds in deeper waters. It is estimated that 80% of all the offshore wind resource is in waters 60 metres and deeper in European seas.

Unlocking up to 50 GW of new wind generation capacity

The UK Government has set an ambition to deliver up to 5 GW of floating wind by 2030 and rapidly expand capacity beyond that.

The Crown Estate is offering leasing opportunities in the Celtic Sea for 1 GW floating offshore wind projects. This leasing opportunity will provide a platform for the UK’s future floating offshore wind sector. By demonstrating success in this nascent market, we will unlock opportunities for new jobs and infrastructure across the whole of the UK and globally by exporting skills and know-how.

Collaborating for success with UK partners

Successfully delivering floating offshore wind, at scale, means overcoming many technical challenges. There is minimal legacy in floating wind, so we must invent, adapt and refine technologies that can do the job. In our view the best approach is to partner with businesses that have a track record in the areas that we’ve identified as being critical for success. Crucially, we are doing this now, several years ahead of time, so that we share best practice on our journeys together.

By pursuing our ‘supply-chain first’ strategy we are confident that we will come up with low risk, scalable solutions that can follow a cost-reduction path.

We welcome approaches from new supply-chain partners. Get in touch here and look out for news about our supply chain events.

Benefiting onshore communities economically and socially

We are excited about how we can help local onshore communities benefit from project Nuada.

Our aim is to help create economic and social value in the regions where we operate. Through our investments we will create new jobs, provide skills training and support regional supply chain partners.

The Lisarb Foundation funds grassroots educational, health and social programmes that make a real difference to the communities neighbouring our projects. Examples in Brazil include an orphanage, a family resource centre and a neurological charity. In South West England we are already supporting a leisure centre, youth tennis coaching and an annual theatre festival.