Ossian floating offshore wind farm advanced with Geophysical Cable

Ossian floating offshore wind farm in Scotland completes with XOCEAN 13-month geophysical survey for the paving the way for a 3.6 GW renewable energy project to power six million homes annually.

Ossian floating offshore wind farm in Scotland. Photo: Scottish Business Insider 

Ossian floating offshore wind farm in Scotland is one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world. Great news comes that the Ireland-based XOCEAN has completed a geophysical survey along the 420-kilometer cable route for the proposed 3.6 GW Ossian floating offshore wind farm. This extensive survey, conducted using USV(uncrewed surface vessel), spanned 13 months and covered water depths ranging from the shoreline to over 100 meters.

The data gathered during the survey will provide critical support to Ossian’s engineering and development teams and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultants in determining viable routes for the offshore export cables. “The completion of the XOCEAN survey is a huge milestone in progressing towards a selection of the most feasible route for our offshore export cables,” said Laurent Domergue, Ossian’s engineering manager. “The campaign has delivered information vital to understanding seabed characteristics, habitats, and the geology of the offshore export cable route, setting out our path for the future.”

The survey was conducted in multiple phases, with up to six USVs operating simultaneously in the North Sea. According to Kevin Harnett, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of XOCEAN, the project team closely coordinated with the National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) to ensure alignment and minimize potential interference during the campaign.

The Ossian floating offshore wind farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables, Marubeni, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). In July 2024, the Scottish government received a consent application for the offshore array of this ambitious renewable energy project. The wind farm’s delivery will depend on securing planning consent, establishing a viable route to market, and achieving a final investment decision.

Once operational, the Ossian floating wind farm is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power more than six million homes annually, marking a significant step forward in Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions and global efforts to combat climate change.

Ossian floating offshore wind farm

The Ossian floating offshore wind farm is an ambitious renewable energy project set to transform Scotland's energy landscape. This 3.6 GW floating wind farm is a collaborative venture involving SSE Renewables, Marubeni, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Its innovative floating design allows it to be located in deeper waters than traditional offshore wind farms, unlocking new opportunities for renewable energy generation.

Once operational, Ossian will have the capacity to generate enough electricity to power up to six million homes annually, contributing significantly to the UK's and Scotland's renewable energy targets. The project underscores the importance of offshore wind energy in achieving a sustainable future and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The project's successful implementation will depend on securing planning consent, a viable route to market, and a final investment decision. It represents a critical milestone in global efforts to combat climate change by harnessing wind energy's potential.

Scottish government renewable energy targets

Scotland has set ambitious renewable energy targets as part of its commitment to combating climate change and transitioning to a net-zero economy. The Scottish Government aims to generate 50% of Scotland's overall energy consumption (including electricity, heat, and transportation) from renewable sources by 2030. Additionally, the country plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, five years ahead of the UK-wide target.

Offshore wind, including floating wind projects like the Ossian wind farm, plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Scotland's extensive coastline and favorable wind conditions make it a global leader in renewable energy innovation, helping drive the shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.

XOCEAN USV

XOCEAN is an innovative company founded in 2017, specializing in the use of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for ocean data collection. Headquartered in Ireland, the company operates globally, with additional offices in the UK, the US, Canada, Norway, and Australia. XOCEAN provides efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for a wide range of marine industries, including environmental monitoring, offshore energy, and seabed mapping. By leveraging advanced technology and autonomous systems, XOCEAN is transforming the way ocean data is gathered, enabling safer and greener operations while supporting vital marine research and commercial activities.