Portland Port Poised to Support Offshore Wind Developments in the English Channel

Portland Port has a rich history of servicing the offshore wind sector and is currently engaged in discussions with potential partners to facilitate and bolster the future construction and operation of offshore wind developments in the English Channel.

Equipped with expansive deep-water berths and ample quayside space, Portland Port boasts the capacity and expertise to serve as a host for construction and operational headquarters, as well as provide accommodations and transportation solutions.

The ambitious project has successfully secured a substantial 2.5 GW grid connection into the Chickerell 400 kV substation, situated near Weymouth. This connection also includes plans for a cutting-edge 350 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance operational efficiency.

While the project is currently in its early stages of development, any designated project development area will be subject to a future leasing round by The Crown Estate.

Green Energy Island Aspiration

Commenting on the project, Ian McQuade, General Manager – Commercial at Portland Port, expressed optimism stating, “It is still early days for the PortWind project, but this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signals the direction of our ambitions and supports our vision for Portland to emerge as a premier renewable energy hub on the south coast.”