A recently launched UK-based renewable energy developer 17 Energy and a Chilean company SC Power have established a consortium with a plan to build a floating offshore wind farm with an installed capacity of 960 MW.

The floating wind farm is proposed to be built off the coast of Chile’s Biobío Region.

The consortium and the proposed project, both named Viento Azul Biobío (VAB), were unveiled at an event in Concepción on 1 August which, according to a press release from the two partners, brought together government officials, industry leaders, and community representatives.

“This is a pivotal moment for Chile’s energy future,” said Daniel Perdomo, Director at 17 Energy. “The Viento Azul Biobío Consortium is committed to building a strong, sustainable offshore wind industry that creates jobs, drives economic growth, and protects our environment. Today we are taking our first steps in our journey to realising offshore wind in Chile.”

The VAB consortium says it aims to develop offshore wind projects that deliver tangible benefits to Chile by working closely with local communities, industry, and government, and to support large-scale decarbonisation of the country’s electricity network.

Rodrigo Corvalán, Stakeholder Engagement at SC Power, said: “We believe that offshore wind can be a catalyst for transformation in Chile. By working collaboratively with stakeholders and communities, we can develop projects that not only generate clean energy but also empower local communities, create new opportunities for industry and businesses and secure the future for our next generations.”

According to information on VAB’s website, the Viento Azul Biobío offshore wind farm could have an installed capacity of between 500 MW and 1 GW, and potentially also be used for the production of green hydrogen and/or sustainable fuels.

In a video published earlier this year, Daniel Perdomo presented the project saying it would have 64 floating wind turbines with a nominal output of 15 MW per unit for a total generation capacity of 960 MW.

The USD 4.3 billion project is anticipated to begin operations in 2032, subject to acquiring a maritime concession and receiving necessary permits.