Green energy firm Cerulean Winds has announced that its 1GW Aspen floating wind project in the Central North Sea is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs and attract a total investment of £10.9 billion across its 50-year lifespan.

“The clean energy transition is well underway in Scotland – thanks to state-of-the-art offshore wind projects, like this one at the Port of Ardersier, that will help us deliver on our Plan for Change and clean power by 2030 mission,” said energy minister Michael Shanks, who visited the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility.

He added: “Today’s commitment from Cerulean Winds and its partners shows exactly how this transition will bring good jobs and growth to Scotland, as Britain’s fast expanding renewable energy powerhouse.”

The Ardersier Energy Transition Facility will serve as the strategic hub for the Aspen project making it – according to Cerulean Winds – the UK’s first dedicated assembly, delivery and operations centre for floating offshore wind (FLOW).

By anchoring this vital part of the supply chain in Scotland, the project will help establish a fully integrated industrial ecosystem – ensuring that long-term economic value is retained within the UK.

The £10.9 billion investment includes £5.9 billion during development and construction and £100 million annually during 50 years of operations. This expenditure is expected to provide £4.1 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK, £2.8 billion of which will be in Scotland.

Once built, the three Cerulean Winds projects (Aspen, Beech and Cedar), could comprise up to 300 turbines. The 1GW Aspen site will be developed first, providing new offshore wind capacity helping to meet the UK government’s 50GW by 2030 target.

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“This project has the potential to support thousands of skilled jobs and billions in investment to the UK. From a base in Scotland, Cerulean Winds and our delivery partners want to grasp the opportunity of creating a floating offshore wind supply chain industrial base in the UK” said Dan Jackson, founding director of Cerulean Winds.

“Having our  delivery partners already in place, working together to a shared goal means that we’re able to accurately predict the benefits that Aspen can deliver.”