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The 100MW Erebus project, which will include seven next-generation 14MW turbines on floating platforms 40km off the Pembrokeshire coast, was granted a marine licence following an environmental impact assessment by Natural Resources Wales.
Due to be commissioned in 2026, Erebus could be the first of several floating wind farms in the Celtic Sea. It will provide enough electricity to power 93,000 homes.
The project is led by Blue Gem Wind, a joint venture between energy company TotalEnergies and Simply Blue Group. It could “play a crucial role in advancing the deployment of what will become a globally important low-carbon technology,” said Blue Gem Wind project managing director Mike Scott.
Sean Evans, consenting manager at Blue Gem Wind, added: “We have been working with Natural Resources Wales and other key stakeholders since 2019 to develop a test-and-demonstration scale project that balances the need for low-carbon energy with that of the natural environment, and minimises impacts to local communities and stakeholders.”
Erebus will be a key enabler of floating wind in the Celtic Sea, Simply Blue Group said, allowing the local supply chain to ramp up capabilities and participate in the larger projects that will follow.
David TC Davies, secretary of state for Wales, said: “Wales has the potential to be a world leader in offshore wind energy, and floating technology is key to unlocking the full potential of our coastlines as it generates economic growth and highly skilled jobs. The UK government is investing in this sector, which will help us achieve our net zero ambitions as well as playing an important role in providing secure sources of energy.”
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