HOW CAN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS?
We’re committed to creating opportunities for Shetland, and the local supply chain. More public consultation events will be held during the development phase, involving various Shetland community stakeholders. Arven’s initial offshore virtual consultation event can also be viewed, here.

The community will be kept informed and encouraged to participate, continuing to foster an open and transparent dialogue.

HOW MANY TURBINES WILL ARVEN COMPRISE?
As the project is at an early stage, the number of turbines on the offshore wind farm has not been determined yet. However, it will be based on an approved power capacity of 2.3 GW. The number of turbines also depends on the available generators and evolving technology. Find out more about Arven’s floating technology, here.

HOW WILL ARVEN’S DEVELOPMENT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY?
Arven’s shareholders, Ocean Winds and Mainstream Renewable Power, have a strong track record in delivering successful offshore wind projects where we have delivered regional and local infrastructure, such as operations and maintenance bases. We want to create opportunities for Shetland to benefit from the clean energy transition, developing skills, jobs and the supply chain. We’re also supporting community initiatives such as Shetland Sail Training and the Youth Philanthropy Initiative.

HOW MANY TURBINES WILL THERE BE IN ARVEN?
As the project is at an early stage, the number of turbines on the offshore wind farm has not been determined yet. However, it will be based on the government’s approved power capacity of 2.3 GW. The number of turbines also depends on the available generators and evolving technology.

WHY HAS FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND BEEN SELECTED?
Wind at sea blows stronger and more continuously than on land, which means greater generation capacity to meet high electricity demands. In locations were sea depths reach more than 60 metres, floating wind technology is the best solution.

WHAT EXPERIENCE DOES THE PARTNERSHIP HAVE WITH FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND?
Ocean Winds pioneered floating offshore wind technology, developing the world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm offshore Portugal named WindFloat Atlantic.

Ocean Winds and Mainstream Renewable Power are jointly developing a floating offshore wind farm project, named KF Wind, in South Korea (1.2 GW) where floating technology will be used. Both Ocean Winds and Mainstream Renewable Power are major shareholders in floating technology company Principle Power.

HOW WILL ARVEN’S EFFECT ON SHETLAND’S LOCAL SURROUNDINGS BE MEASURED?
An Environmental Scoping Report will be produced, outlining project details and the intended floating technology to be used. It will address key topics for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA), including research, surveys, and analysis to assess effects on the local environment and the Shetland community, including proposed mitigations.

We are dedicated to minimising project effects and implementing mitigation measures. We have commenced engagement with key stakeholders, including the fisheries community, and initiated detailed bird survey work.

HOW WILL THIS PROJECT BENEFIT THE SHETLAND COMMUNITY?
Both shareholders have a strong track record in commitment to developing regional and local infrastructure, and local industry will be at the core of Arven’s development.

Additionally, around 1,500 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction phase, plus long-term positions during the operational phase.

In the community, Arven is already progressing plans to support a local marine-facing charity and an existing local education initiative.

HOW CAN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS?
Engagement to boost local supply chain opportunities is ongoing. Public consultation events will be held during the development phase, involving various stakeholders from the Shetland community. The community will be kept informed and encouraged to participate, fostering an open and transparent dialogue.