Wind Energy – Ayre OWF Base
The French renewable energy company Qair has advanced plans for the operational base of its 1 GW Ayre floating offshore wind project in Scotland, with the project team having visited a number of port facilities.
Qair assesses North Scotland ports for Ayre offshore wind farm base
The project is located to the east of Orkney and north-east of Caithness in North Scotland. Members of the team developing the wind farm have visited ports in this area, including Kirkwall, Gills Bay, Scrabster, and Wick, to explore infrastructure, logistics capability, and long-term suitability.
The Ayre project’s long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) is expected to support up to 120 jobs.
“Securing a long-term O&M base in the North of Scotland is a critical step for the Ayre project and a significant opportunity for local communities,” said project director Ewan Walker.
“Orkney and Caithness have an excellent supply chain and existing skills base so as the project moves into construction and operation, we want to maximise local opportunities,” Walker added.
The Ayre project secured onshore planning consent from The Highland Council in March. Consultation on the offshore application has now been completed ahead of a decision by the Marine Directorate, the developer said.
