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Turley supports Blue Gem Wind consent applications for its 100MW Erebus floating offshore wind project

Turley has provided strategic planning services to Blue Gem Wind, who recently submitted the first-ever consent applications for a Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) project in Welsh waters. Blue Gem Wind is a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Simply Blue Group.

Blue Gem Wind has applied to Welsh Ministers under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for consent to build and operate Erebus, alongside a separate application to Natural Resources Wales for a marine licence under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Erebus provides an opportunity to test and demonstrate the deployment of FLOW technology to progress investment towards commercial scale deployment in the Celtic Sea region. It supports the Welsh Government’s aspiration to unlock the energy potential of Wales’ marine environment, whilst also developing exemplar skills, experience and a supply chain which will place Wales at the forefront of the development of FLOW technology.

Renewable energy is seen as a primary method of reducing emissions of GHG, in particular CO2 and FLOW plays a key part in this with the UK Government announcing a target for FLOW to deliver 1 GW of energy by 2030 (BEIS, 2020). The project will further Wales’ progress towards a more resilient and equitable low-carbon economy and supports Welsh Government’s aim for Wales to become a world leader in renewable energy technologies.

Director, Huw Jones, commented:

“The environmental, social and economic benefits and opportunities that Erebus will bring to Wales will span generations to come. We are very proud to be working with Blue Gem Wind’s project team and look forward to continuing to provide planning services as the project progresses.”

Mike Scott, Project Managing Director at Blue Gem Wind, said:

“These applications represent a significant milestone for project Erebus, and the ambition to deliver new low carbon energy from the Celtic Sea. Erebus will provide green energy to over 93,000 homes and kick-start the stepping-stone approach to floating wind in the Celtic Sea, creating new low carbon careers, supply chain and diversification opportunities, and stimulate the necessary investment into port infrastructure.”  

Ben Huskinson, Consenting Manager at Blue Gem Wind, added:

“This consent application is the culmination of two and a half years of work by our project team and is the first application for a floating wind project in Welsh waters of the Celtic Sea. We carried out extensive stakeholder engagement during project development and have considered this feedback in the design and assessment of Erebus. We look forward to continuing to work with Natural Resources Wales, The Crown Estate, the Welsh and UK governments, and other stakeholders to build a floating wind sector that is sustainable for coastal communities, other sea users, and the marine environment.” 

24 January 2022

Image courtesy of Principle Power