In a statement Talisman UK said, “The demonstrator project will test technologies for deepwater wind farms distant from the shore, with no visual impact. The results will help determine if large-scale developments of this type are a practical and economic source of renewable energy [and] the project will include the design, construction, installation and operation of two prototype turbines.”
“The power generated by the turbines will be used at the Beatrice platform and will operate alongside Talisman’s existing operations at Beatrice without affecting production. It is anticipated that construction of these turbines will begin later this year and first electricity generation is expected to begin late in 2006.
“The partners will try to meet or exceed a cost reduction target of 20% that would make offshore wind farms in deep water economically viable. During the five-year period of the demonstrator project, Talisman will collect performance data, look for ways to reduce costs and develop operating procedures.
“If the project is successful, Talisman will consider the construction of a full-scale offshore wind farm. A commercial venture could generate up to one gigaWatts of electricity, which is equivalent to almost 20% of Scotland's current electricity demand,” it added.
According to Talisman President and CEO Dr Jim Buckee, the demonstrator project is an ideal platform to test the feasibility of deepwater wind farms.
“The existing infrastructure at Beatrice offers a unique opportunity to test the feasibility of wind farms in water depths of 35 to 45 metres, while optimising the value of our existing facilities. Initially the two turbines will provide electric power for Beatrice and, if successful, we will evaluate a large scale commercial project,” said Buckee.
“We hope to show that it is possible to use offshore oil and gas expertise in the renewable energy business thereby potentially providing new opportunities for investment and employment in the North Sea,” he added.
Talisman and its co-venturer have each pledged to invest US$12.9 million into the demonstrator. The project is also set to receive funding from the Scottish Executive (US$5.3 million), the UK Department of Trade and Industry (US$5.3 million), and the European Commission (US$7.6 million). Talisman and SSE have already spent US$3.8 million on four feasibility studies.
