Kent has been appointed as the owner’s engineer for the Buchan floating wind farm project offshore Scotland, according to Splash247. The project, which has a planned capacity of nearly 1GW, is located 75 km off Fraserburgh and has the potential to power more than 1 million homes once operational. The selection marks a key step as the development moves toward a final investment decision (FID) and construction before the end of the decade.
Project Overview and Capacity
The Buchan Offshore Wind project is one of the largest floating wind developments in Scottish waters. Its nearly 1GW capacity would make a significant contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy targets. The project is also notable for pioneering Scotland’s first concrete floating foundations using BW Ideol’s Damping Pool technology. This innovation is described as anchoring a new industrial capability and acting as a catalyst for the Scottish floating offshore wind supply chain, according to the same report.
Kent’s Role and Responsibilities
In its role as owner’s engineer, Kent will provide integrated technical and delivery expertise across a broad range of activities in the next phase of the project. These include:
- Electrical balance-of-plant development
- FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) planning
- Package engineering coordination
- Preparation of FEED tender documentation
- Wider technical governance across Buchan’s delivery programme
The appointment also includes specialist support from Vekta Group and New Power Partners. Kent brings extensive experience across both floating and fixed-bottom offshore wind, with current roles on major UK developments including Berwick Bank, Mona, and Morgan, and floating wind experience on projects such as Kincardine and Llyr.
Technology and Supply Chain Impact
The use of BW Ideol’s Damping Pool technology for the concrete floating foundations is a key differentiator. According to Splash247, the project is “paving the way for the manufacture of Scotland’s first concrete floating foundations.” This is expected to drive local industrial capability and support the growing floating offshore wind supply chain in Scotland. The project is seen as a catalyst for further investment and job creation in the region.
Regulatory Timeline and Next Steps
Significant regulatory progress has already been made. Consent for the onshore electrical infrastructure was granted by Aberdeenshire council in May 2026. Additionally, a determination by the Scottish government on the offshore consent application is anticipated by the end of 2026. These approvals are critical for the project’s timeline and its ability to reach FID. The project is expected to proceed to construction by the end of the decade.
| Key Project Details | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | 75 km off Fraserburgh, Scotland |
| Capacity | Nearly 1 GW |
| Homes powered | >1 million |
| Floating foundation | BW Ideol’s Damping Pool technology |
| Onshore consent granted | May 2026 |
| Offshore consent decision | Expected end of 2026 |
| Owner’s engineer | Kent (with Vekta Group and New Power Partners) |
The appointment of Kent signals continued momentum in Scotland’s floating wind sector, which is attracting significant engineering expertise and supply chain development. As the project advances through FEED and consenting, it will serve as a bellwether for large-scale floating wind deployment in the UK.
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