White Cross Floating Offshore Wind Project Receives Approval

Exciting news in the renewable energy sector as offshore wind developers Flotation Energy and Cobra have been granted full onshore and offshore planning approval for their floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea.

The project, named White Cross, is set to be a game-changer in the industry. The developers submitted their application in 2023 to develop and connect a 100MW floating offshore wind farm to the grid. This project will mark a significant milestone in the renewable energy landscape.

Located 52 km off the Devon coast, White Cross will consist of six to eight floating wind turbines, poised to generate clean electricity that can power approximately 135,000 households. This sustainable energy source is a crucial step towards achieving a greener future.

Impact on the Energy Transition

Sam Park, senior project manager of White Cross, highlighted the importance of this project in the energy transition. He stated, “The UK is already a leader in floating offshore wind technology, but until now this has only been via projects in Scottish waters. This decision gives us a valuable opportunity to harness this pioneering technology to help deliver the energy transition in the southwest of England.”

The project’s offshore export cables will make landfall at Saunton Sands beach before connecting to the onshore export cables. These cables will be buried underground for their entire length, extending approximately 8 km to a new White Cross onshore substation, facilitating the connection to the existing East Yelland substation.

Paving the Way for Future Projects

White Cross serves as a stepping stone project that is pivotal to the Crown Estate’s ambitions to scale up and commercialize floating energy technologies in the Celtic Sea. This project sets a precedent for future developments in the region, showcasing the potential for innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector.