Erebus
100MW Test & Demonstration project in the Celtic Sea
Independent studies have suggested there could be as much as 50GW of electricity capacity available in the Celtic Sea waters of the UK and Ireland. This renewable energy resource could play a key role in the UK meeting the 2050 Net-Zero target required to mitigate climate change. Erebus, the first floating offshore wind project in the Celtic Sea will provide new low carbon supply chain opportunities, support coastal communities and create long-term benefits for the region.
Low carbon power generation
Erebus 100MW = 93,217 homes powered per year
Reducing carbon emissions
Saving 151,767 tonnes of carbon emissions per year
Robust technology
Operational life of floating wind farm = 25 years
Stepping stones to assist the local supply chain
We believe a stepping stone approach to floating wind in the Celtic Sea will provide the UK supply chain with the best opportunity to engage in this new exciting sector, maximising local supply chain content and jobs. This means starting with smaller demonstration projects before moving incrementally to larger commercial scale projects in the 2030s.
Blue Gem Wind will initially focus on a 100MW demonstration project, Erebus
The project, named after the famous ship, built in Pembroke Dock in 1826 will become one of the largest floating offshore wind projects in the world when constructed in 2026. Please visit our planning page for more information.
HMS Erebus was built in 1826 at the Royal Navy Dockyard in Pembroke Dock. She was the second vessel in the Royal Navy to be named after Erebus, the dark region of Hades in Greek mythology and was the last but one of warships known as bomb vessels, their design allowing them to “fling” shells over coastal defenses. After two years of Navy use in the Mediterranean, Erebus began her life as an exploration vessel in both Antarctica and the Arctic discovering and shaping our understanding of the cold frontiers.In 1848, the Franklin expedition’s two ships, H.M.S. Erebus and H.M.S. Terror, disappeared with all their crew while searching for the Northwest Passage. Their fate is one of the enduring mysteries of the age of exploration. Numerous expeditions were sent out to find them, numerous theories proposed to explain what happened. Dark rumours of cannibalism only made the mystery more compelling. It wasn’t until 2014 that a Canadian mission, equipped with all the latest marine archaeological equipment, located Erebus. Terror was discovered two years later.
Anatomy of a floating wind turbine
Whilst the turbine manufacturer has not yet been decided, we are working with Principle Power Inc who will provide the floating platforms and project support. Principle Power’s Windfloat® is one of the most advanced floating technologies in the world.
Online Exhibition
From July 12th to August 29th we are carrying out our second Project Erebus public exhibition and consultation. We hope you take the opportunity to tell us your thoughts on Wales’ first floating offshore wind project.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are continuing with a virtual approach to our exhibition and consultation. However, we will also be carrying out two in-person events at Hundleton Church Hall, 14th July (2 pm–6 pm) followed by a second on 29th July in Angle Village Hall (2 pm–7 pm).
Please do contact us through info@bluegemwind.com if you have any questions or feedback once the formal consultation period has closed.
Sustainable Coastal Communities
First GW of floating wind in the Celtic Sea could deliver over 3000 jobs and £682 million in local supply chain opportunities by 2030
Unlocking the Wind Resource
A study has identified 150 to 250 GW of wind resource in the Celtic Sea with approximately 50 GW attainable
A New Low Carbon Future
Delivering the Celtic Seas first offshore floating wind project. Providing green energy to 93,217 homes per year
Supporting Welsh and UK Government policies including:
Net Zero 2050 target / Climate Emergency / UK Industrial Strategy / UK Clean Growth Strategy / Well Being of the Future Generations Act / Environment Wales Act / Welsh National Marine Plan.
Want to know more?
Please use the links below to check out our careers, education, and document library. Information on our projects, floating wind, and the latest news can be found using the menu at the top of the page.
Documents
Download our community newsletter along with a range of documents relating to planning, project consents, careers and education from our document library.
Careers
If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved in off-shore wind please take a look at our careers page which includes a variety of resources.
Education
We have produced an animated video and education pack to work with primary-level students on the impacts of climate change and floating wind.
Questions?
Some of the Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
If you have any other questions about Blue Gem Wind and our projects then please get in touch.