Crown Estate Scotland has announced the winners of its “world-first” innovation and targeted oil and gas (Intog) leasing round, with 13 of the 19 applications being successful.
The Intog process raised £261.8 million in “option fees”, with BP, TotalEnergies and Harbour Energy listed among the successful firms.
Proposed projects were split into two categories, innovation and targeted oil and gas (Tog), with applicants having to meet certain criteria when applying for either of the leasing round options.
Tog looked to help decarbonise the North Sea energy sector by supporting firms to build wind farms connected to oil and gas infrastructure.
Innovation funding is aimed at small offshore wind projects, capable of producing 100 megawatts or less.
‘Real step forward’
Crown Estate Scotland marine director Colin Palmer said: “Intog provides a range of practical ways to support innovation, reduce North Sea carbon emissions, and encourage technical and commercial innovation in the offshore renewables market.
“In addition to delivering economic and environmental benefits, Intog will generate funds for the Scottish Government, from initial fees when option agreements are signed to ongoing rent payments when the projects are constructed and move to operation.
“There are still significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure Intog’’s many opportunities are realised fully, but today marks a real step forward.”
The successful projects
Of the successful 13 applications, eight fell within the Tog category and the remaining five were classified as innovation projects.
The Tog winners were:
- Flotation Energy had two successful applications
- Cerulean Winds, with three
- Harbour Energy, with two
- TotalEnergies E&P UK was awarded one
The innovation winners were:
- ESB Asset Development
- BP Alternative Energy Investments
- Simply Blue Energy
- Bluefloat Energy/Renantis Partnership, which was awarded two
Net Zeroand Energy Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This milestone in the Intog leasing round is the next step in realising another world-leading opportunity for Scotland’s energy transition; helping both decarbonise our existing oil and gas operations, while helping our offshore wind sector to expand, innovate and deliver on our ambition to be a renewables powerhouse.
“The announcement from Crown Estate Scotland not only indicates the Intog initiative will provide a significant contribution to the public purse, but ensure the continuing growth and development of Scotland’s offshore expertise and wider supply chain, supporting a true, just transition for our energy sector.”
Conversation