The 50 MW floating Kincardine offshore windfarm, owned by Dragados S.A., is located 15km off the coast of Aberdeenshire. It became fully operational in 2021 and provides green electricity to the UK grid.

The visit was an opportunity for the 10 MPs to learn about the groundbreaking achievements of KOWL in renewable energy and the windfarm’s contribution to Scotland’s green transition. The Committee’s visit highlighted the significance of this pioneering development in advancing renewable energy goals and supporting Scotland’s ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Most significantly, this unique windfarm is providing valuable insights that will inform and enhance future windfarm projects.

During their visit, Committee members were briefed on the project’s innovative floating wind turbine technology, which enables renewable energy generation in deeper waters. They also engaged with KOWL’s leadership team, learning about the economic and environmental benefits of the windfarm site, which includes five floating turbines with towers 110 meters in height above the water surface.

The Committee heard about KOWL developing and implementing a new technology at the windfarm recently which can allow major repairs to be carried out in-situ. Applying this groundbreaking new process eliminates the need for tow-to-port operations, which has previously been the only way to perform major component exchanges at floating offshore wind farms. Tow-to-port operations generate a large carbon footprint, involve high costs, and create extended periods of turbine downtime.

José Polimón Olabarrieta, Dragados project manager and general manager at KOWL, said: “It was very beneficial to welcome the Scottish Affairs Select Committee to the KOWL office. This visit underscores the importance of innovative and pioneering projects like KOWL in shaping the future of energy in Scotland and beyond. We are proud to demonstrate how renewable energy can drive economic growth and produce substantial environmental benefits.

“It also reflects the growing recognition of offshore wind energy’s role in Scotland’s sustainable future and the collaboration needed to achieve ambitious climate targets. Our focus continues to be on sharing our essential lessons learned through our experience of operating the windfarm within the harsh and often unpredictable conditions that we experience within the North Sea. We are now well positioned to advise on how future windfarm projects can optimise their power output. KOWL has proven the technological and commercial readiness of floating offshore wind and this pioneering project is well-known globally.”

The group also met with Flotation Energy representatives, who, along with joint venture partner, Vårgrønn, are building the pioneering Green Volt Development off the Scottish East Coast. When operational, it is set to be the largest commercial-scale floating wind project in Europe, reducing 1m tonnes of CO₂ each year and adding over £1.3 billion to the UK economy.

Dr Richard Wakefield, head of early developments at Flotation Energy, said: “Our team were delighted to meet with the Scottish Select Committee to discuss the opportunity and huge potential for floating offshore wind and share our experiences of delivering one of the world’s largest floating projects, right here in Scotland.

“Green Volt will electrify and decarbonise the operations of participating North Sea oil and gas platforms – reducing their carbon emissions by 85%, while providing clean, secure power to the UK grid. Delivering significant inward investment, Green Volt will benefit Scottish consumers and industry; and support a just transition for many moving from traditional energy into renewables.”

Scottish Affairs Committee chair Patricia Ferguson MP added: “The Committee was pleased to meet with KOWL and Flotation Energy to discuss the potential of Scotland’s renewable energy sector. Our meeting showcased the huge opportunities for Scotland in floating offshore wind.”