Yesterday at the Floating Offshore Wind UK conference in Aberdeen, developers of the Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Ltd (KOWL) announced that first power had been reached.

KOWL was assembled in Dundee and is anchored nine miles offshore between Stonehaven and Aberdeen, it is expected to become the world’s largest floating windfarm when fully functioning.

When first announced in 2016, KOWL was estimated to cost £250 million, however, it now seems more likely it will cost closer to £500m.

Pilot Offshore Renewable, the firm that runs KOWL, called it a “watershed moment for the six-turbine 50MW test and demonstration project”.

An additional five turbines will be added over the next two years, they will be among the most powerful turbines in the world, with a potential rating of up to 9.5MW each.

In total, the Kincardine development is expected to produce enough power for 56,000 homes and support 110 jobs during assembly.

Jamie Altolaguirre, managing director of KOWL said that generating first power from the project was an “incredibly important milestone” and said that it secured Scotland’s position at the forefront of the global renewables industry.

KOWL Could Massively Boost Scotland’s Economic Development

Sian Wilson, senior development manager at Crown Estate Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see the Kincardine Offshore Windfarm Ltd floating technology deployed successfully and we would like to offer our congratulations to the team with whom we worked closely.

“Offshore wind is fast becoming an accepted contributor to the UK energy mix and we believe floating wind innovation creates the opportunity to maximise the contribution to clean energy, and the wider value to Scotland.”

Scottish Minister for Energy, Paul Wheelhouse speaking at the conference in Aberdeen, said: “I am delighted to support a project which demonstrates Scotland’s ability to harness its enormous offshore wind potential.

“Kincardine generating its first power to the National Grid represents a significant step forward for the project, which has been made possible by the introduction of the enhanced ROC’s scheme by the Scottish Government in 2013.

“This innovative project brings with it significant potential for economic development, and I look forward to seeing the Scottish supply chain maximise the opportunity presented during the remainder of the programme.”

Once fully operational, KOWL will help cement Scotland’s position as a leader in renewable green energy within the UK. Earlier this year, new figures revealed that Scotland had beat the rest of the UK in terms of being eco-friendly with 68.1% of its energy needs met without fossil fuels.

This figure represented an increase of 14.1% over the previous year, in 2016 Scotland reached 54%. In 2017, wind generation had increased by 34% and hydropower had increased by 9%.