Technip backing Areg wind project

FRENCH energy service giant Technip has thrown its weight behind plans for an offshore windfarm near Aberdeen.

The firm, which has its UK headquarters at Westhill, not far from the Granite City, joins Swedish utility company Vattenfall and Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (Areg) in taking the project forward.

Technip and Vattenfall said yesterday they were working together to manage development and consenting activities for the new European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. Last month, the Crown Estate approved plans for the £150million test and demonstration project last month with 11 turbines to be installed in Aberdeen Bay, off Blackdog.

Technip and Vattenfall said their agreement was a significant milestone for Technip because it marked the group’s first foray into the offshore-wind market.

Areg chief operating officer Morag McCorkindale said: “Technip’s track record and industry know-how will be fundamental to the development of the centre. It will accelerate the development of offshore wind in Scotland, the UK and Europe.”

In February, Technip announced its intention to explore opportunities in the green-energy sector and named Aberdeen as the European base for its renewables business.