Orsted accuses BP of blocking part of Hornsea 4

Orsted has accused BP of trying to block up to 675MW of capacity being built at its 2600MW Hornsea 4 offshore wind farm in the UK North Sea.

The Danish developer has claimed in a letter sent to the Planning Inspectorate, that the oil and gas giant is preventing access to an overlapping zone of seabed to make way for its proposed carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) project.

This area represents up to 25% of the developable space for Hornsea 4 and could result in the loss of up to 45 turbines.

"This would have the impact of making the project far less commercially competitive and potentially result in Hornsea 4 being unable to compete for a contract for difference," Orsted said.

In a letter detailing its response, BP claimed that it needs the space in order to permit access to relief wells and offshore rigs, as well as allow helicopter access required for crew transfers.

The oil and gas major added that Hornsea 4 has fewer geological constraints and “greater flexibility in wind turbine placement” that should give its project priority for development.

“With at least 12x difference in carbon abatement potential between the projects, strategic choices must be made to ensure optimal use of UK resources,” the letter said.

Both developers have secured the necessary seabed rights that permit the offshore development of each project.

A spokesperson for Orsted said: “We’re confident that an agreement can be reached to allow both projects to move forward.

"However, the issue of co-location has been brought into sharp focus and it’s essential that a solution is found.

"The technology exists to allow offshore wind and CCUS to work in harmony, but genuine collaboration is needed to safeguard future projects.

"We will continue to engage closely with all relevant stakeholders to work towards a solution.”

A BP spokesperson said: "We are committed to finding a resolution to this issue and a mutually acceptable outcome through the ongoing commercial discussions."

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