Talisman Energy planning to build pilot wind farm off Scotland

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 10 -- Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, plans to construct a $58 million (Can.) deepwater wind farm demonstrator project adjacent to Beatrice field, 25 km off Scotland's east coast.

Talisman Pres. and CEO Jim Buckee said existing Beatrice infrastructure provides an opportunity to test the feasibility of wind farms in water depths of 35-45 m. Initially, two turbines will provide electric power for the Beatrice platform. If the pilot is successful, then Talisman will evaluate a commercial project.

Construction of these turbines is expected later this year, and first electricity generation is expected to begin late in 2006.

The demonstrator project will receive $7 million (Can.) in funding from each of the Scottish Executive and the UK Department of Trade and Industry and $10 million (Can.) from the European Commission. Talisman and UK-based co-venturer Scottish & Southern Energy PLC each will contribute more than $17 million (Can.).