The Anonymous Widower

Is This Healey’s Magic Money Tree?

It looks to me that Healey has found a Magic Money Tree, which does the following.

  • Saves the welfare budget.
  • Allows him to abolish standing charges on gas bills.
  • Allows him to take VAT off electricity bills.
  • Allows him to give £100 to 20,000,000 householders.
  • The Kyiv Independent has a headline of UK Announces ‘Biggest Ever’ Ukraine Support Package Of $13 Billion In 2027.
  • He seems committed to increasing defence spending.
  • Setting up the National Agentic Security Unit will cost millions.

Is this the Magic Money Tree?

  • Jackdaw’s gas goes to St. Fergus as planned!
  • One leg of AquaVentus, which is a German system of pipes and wires, that brings green hydrogen and electricity from around the North Sea to Wilhelmshaven could start at the St. Fergus Gas Terminal.
  • Two H2 molecules can be extracted from each gas molecule, as methane is CH4.
  • One way is a process called HiiROC that was developed in Hull, which is backed by big names including Cemex, Centrica, Hyundai, INEOS, Kia and Melrose.
  • HiiROC is five times more energy efficient than traditional electrolysis.
  • The Aberdeen area is not short of green electricity, given the large number of offshore wind farms.
  • Germany gets the hydrogen to decarbonise, through the pipes of AquaVentus.
  • The wires of AquaVentus could also take green electricity to Germany.
  • Germany has run out of space in their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for more turbines.
  • But as our EEZ is 23 times the size of Germany’s, we have enough to rent out space for German wind turbines.
  • The route of AquaVentus will use the UK EEZ and could export energy from existing and planned UK wind farms.
  • When the EEZs were drawn up, a corridor was left between the German and UK zones, where pipes and wires could be laid to transfer energy between the two countries.
  • Burnham visited Merz a few weeks ago and nothing was said about energy to the media.
  • But did they put together an energy deal to give Germany the green energy it needs?
  • Chris O’Shea is CEO of Centrica and has several professional connections to Burnham from his Manchester days and the recent Labour Conference.

If Germany should be getting all this green energy, Healey will surely be getting loadsaeuros in return.

These are some further thoughts.

EEZ Of The UK And Neighbouring Coastal States

If you like to know more about EEZs or Exclusive Economic Zones, they have a Wikipedia entry, which includes these two statements.

  • The idea of allotting nations’ EEZs to give them more control of maritime affairs outside territorial limits gained acceptance in the late 20th century.
  • It was not until 1982 with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea that the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone was formally adopted.

This is possibly, the most significant map concerning the future of the UK.

Note.

  1. The UK EEZ is shown in bright blue.
  2. The UK EEZ was setup by David Cameron’s government in 2014.
  3. Much of the UK EEZ stretches a full 200 nautical miles from the coast.
  4. Germany’s EEZ is indicated by DE.
  5. The UK EEZ is 23 times the size of Germany’s.
  6. There is a narrow corridor between the UK and German EEZs, which goes between the Dutch and Danish EEZs, which was the result of an expensive legal battle and gives Germany access to the North Sea.
  7. Wilhelmshaven is about in the mid-point of the North-facing part of the German coast.
  8. But the corridor could most-likely be the route of the Aquaventus pipes and wires system between Aberdeen and Wilhelmshaven  via Humberside.

Whichever way you look at it, the UK did incredibly well, when EEZs were allocated.

The Route Of AquaVentus To The UK

This map shows the border between the UK and German EEZs.

Note.

  1. The North-East corner of Scotland is clearly visible in the North-West corner of the map.
  2. The corridor between the UK and German EEZs is clearly visible.
  3. The corridor points at the North-East corner of Scotland.
  4. Wilhelmshaven is on the round estuary on the German coast.
  5. AquaVentus has a preferred route via Humberside, which looks feasible.

If an AquaVentus leg ran between the German EEZ and the North-East corner of Scotland, it would be totally in the UK EEZ, which would probably simplify any negotiations.

Could AquaVentus Make Use Of The UK’s Energy Storage?

Consider.

  • Various companies are building three or four large pumped storage hydro systems in the Highlands of Scotland.
  • There are two large gas storage facilities; Aldbrough and Rough on Humberside, which could be converted to hydrogen storage.

Energy storage would surely add functionality to AquaVentus.

Could Dogger Bank South Wind Farm Be Connected To AquaVentus?

Consider.

  • It will be a pair of two 1,500 MW wind farms
  • They are two of the furthest East UK wind farms and are not far from the border between the UK and German EEZs.
  • They are being developed by German company ; RWE.
  • They are currently to be connected to the UK grid at Birkhill Wood in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

But if it were more convenient or affordable could the two wind farms be connected to AquaVentus and send their green electricity to Germany?

Does Germany Import Nuclear Energy Through Interconnectors?

Germany doesn’t have any nuclear power stations, but does it import it?

I asked Google AI, thquestion in the title of this section, and received this answer.

Yes, Germany imports electricity that originates from nuclear power plants in neighboring countries via cross-border high-voltage interconnectors.

Key Facts on Nuclear Imports via Interconnectors

Zero Domestic Generation: Germany completed the shutdown of its last domestic nuclear power reactors in April 2023 and produces zero nuclear electricity locally.

Integrated European Grid: Electricity in Europe flows through a shared, interconnected network based on market prices, supply, and demand rather than national political borders.

Sources of Nuclear Imports: When Germany imports electricity—such as from France, Switzerland, or Belgium—a portion of that power mix comes from nuclear generation.

Rising Import Volumes: Estimates by DataPulse Research via Visual Capitalist indicate that Germany’s estimated nuclear electricity imports rose to roughly 18,313 GWh in 2024 following the complete nuclear phaseout.

It appears that so long as they don’t build any nuclear power stations, it’s OK!

 

October 28, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Energy Storage | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Ferry Link Proposed Between Aberdeen And Iceland

The title of this post is the same as that of this article in The Times.

This is the sub-heading.

Talks are under way for a ferry from Aberdeen to Seydisfjordur in eastern Iceland, reviving a North Atlantic connection that endured for 150 years

These three paragraphs add more detail.

There were wild celebrations when the first ever regular mail steamer from Scotland arrived in Iceland.

Cheering crowds gathered as the Clyde-built Victor Emanuel, her single funnel belching black smoke, slipped into Reykjavik harbour in 1858 after crossing the North Atlantic from Leith. It was an historic day, marking a service that was to bind Britain and Iceland in a way they never had been before.

There was little or no emotion, however, when the last regular sea connection between Scotland and Iceland was lost in 2008 amid the rise of low-cost airlines, ending a century and a half of shipping history.

But now it appears that the ferry might be revived, as The Times article reports.

This Google Map shows the seas between Aberdeen and Iceland.

Note.

  1. Iceland is in the North-West corner of the map.
  2. Seydisfjordur, which will be the port, where the service will terminate is indicated by the red arrow.
  3. The Faroe Islands are in the middle of the map.
  4. Aberdeen is in the South-West corner of the map.
  5. The Orkneys and Shetlands are North of Scotland.

I was rather surprised, I could get everything on the single map.

This second map shows all the wind farms being developed around the North of Scotland.

Note.

  1. These seventeen wind farms have a total capacity of 24 GW.
  2. Currently, in total, as I write this we’re using 35.7 GW and generating 32.9 GW.
  3. The difference is made up of transfers.
  4. There are more details on these wind farms in Ørsted, Simply Blue, Subsea7 Submit Application For 100 MW Scottish Floating Wind Farm.

There would appear to be plenty more space for wind farms.

What Will Happen To This Energy In The North Of Scotland?

The Germans have a shortage of green energy and it is likely that they will build a system of pipes and wires called AquaVentus between Aberdeen and Wilhelmshaven via Humberside to bring green hydrogen and electricity to Germany.

I can see a need for ferries linking Wilhelmshaven, Aberdeen, Orkney, Shetland, the Faroes and Iceland, if construction really takes off in the area, where there is one of the largest undeveloped areas in Europe, that is suitable for wind farms.

And much of the area is in the UK EEZ.

I do wonder, if in his recent visit to Merz, Burnham and the German Chancellor agreed to develop the Northern part of the UK EEZ for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

I will finish with these questions.

What Is The Offshore Wind Potential Of Iceland?

I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.

Iceland possesses massive theoretical offshore wind resources, estimated by the World Bank at approximately 847 gigawatts (GW), which is more than the combined potential of countries like France and Spain.

Key Aspects of Iceland’s Offshore Wind Potential

Resource Scale: The World Bank estimates Iceland’s coastal waters could yield up to 847 GW of power, far exceeding the country’s domestic electricity consumption (which is currently met almost entirely by geothermal and hydroelectric power).

Geographical and Climate Challenges:

Shallows and Coastline: Unlike shallow North Sea basins, Iceland’s rugged coastlines have relatively few shallow areas, which can complicate conventional fixed-bottom turbine installations.

Harsh Conditions: Winter wind speeds and power densities are exceptionally high (with offshore values exceeding 1,000 W/m² in southern, eastern, and western coastal areas), though extreme weather, tectonic activity, and volcanic-glacial sediments require specialized foundation engineering.

Export and Cross-Border Concepts: Because Iceland’s domestic energy needs are already satisfied by low-cost renewables, large-scale offshore wind developments are often proposed for export. For example, developers like Hecate Independent Power (HIP Atlantic) have explored multi-gigawatt offshore wind projects off Iceland’s coast linked directly to the United Kingdom via long-distance subsea HVDC transmission cables.

Emerging Research: Scientific bodies like the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Icelandic Geological Survey (ÍSOR) have partnered on grants to map Iceland’s seabed and glacial outwash plains to better evaluate site suitability and turbine foundation designs.

Iceland could be Europe’s largest power station.

It’s lucky Trump has no engineering, mathematical or scientific knowledge, otherwise he’d be jealous.

What Is The Offshore Wind Potential Of The Faroe Islands?

I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.

The Faroe Islands possess substantial wind resources, though deep surrounding waters present engineering challenges for standard bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines. To bypass these constraints and overcome local onshore resistance (“NIMBY” opposition), the territory has actively explored and planned offshore installations:

Planned Offshore Wind Projects

Tórshavn Offshore Wind Farm: The Faroese power company SEV planned an initial offshore wind project near the capital, Tórshavn, sized between 96 MW and 120 MW.

Replacement of Onshore Plans: This single offshore initiative was designed to replace at least five delayed or contested onshore wind farms, accelerating the territory’s push toward its goal of 100% sustainable electricity generation by 2030.

Technical & Geographical Challenges

Deep Waters: Standard fixed-bottom offshore wind turbines are difficult or costly to deploy because the waters surrounding the steep volcanic islands become deep very quickly.

Alternative Approaches: Studies and strategies have investigated floating offshore wind options, as well as integrating offshore wind with green hydrogen and ammonia production to power local maritime and industrial sectors.

Tidal Complement: Because standard wind and solar can be variable or affected by harsh salt and wind conditions, the islands are heavily supplementing their wind strategy with predictable underwater tidal kite technology (such as Minesto systems) which hold a separate 2 GW national tidal potential.

It looks like The Faroes goal of 100 % sustainable electricity generation by 2030, will mean they won’t be exporting large amounts of energy.

What Is The Offshore Wind Potential Of The Shetland Islands?

I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.

The Shetland Islands possess some of the most consistent and high-capacity wind resources in Europe, with multi-gigawatt offshore wind potential supported by ScotWind leasing rounds.

Key Offshore Wind Projects & Potential

Arven Offshore Wind Farm: A major floating offshore wind project targeted for the early 2030s located east of Shetland. It features a planned capacity of 2.3 GW (enough to power roughly 2 million homes annually).

Stoura Offshore Wind Farm: An early-stage floating wind project awarded to ESB via Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind process. Located about 40 km east of Shetland, it has a targeted capacity of 500 MW.

NE1 Site & Regional Leasing: The broader waters surrounding Shetland have yielded licensing for roughly 2.8 GW to 3 GW or more of offshore floating wind capacity through recent leasing rounds, utilizing deep-water floating technology for depths exceeding 60 meters.

Complementary Energy Infrastructure

Onshore Integration: The massive 443 MW Viking Energy Wind Farm (103 turbines) and related onshore sites operate alongside a 260 km subsea HVDC interconnector cable linking Shetland directly to the UK mainland grid.

Industrial Transition: The historic Sullom Voe Terminal is shifting into a clean energy and carbon storage hub (via projects like Veri Energy and ORION), exploring how excess offshore and onshore renewable power can drive green hydrogen production and offshore platform electrification.

Local Challenges: Developers and authorities must balance this massive marine energy potential with spatial constraints, local fishing industry concerns, and grid-connection capacities.

Shetland seems to have implemented an excellent local solution.

What Is The Offshore Wind Potential Of The Orkney Islands?

I asked Google AI this question and received this answer.

The Orkney Islands possess massive offshore wind potential, with surrounding regional waters estimated to hold anywhere from 5 GW to over 17 GW of immediate local generation capacity, alongside broader island and northern Scottish shelf sharing over 100 GW of combined offshore wind potential.

Key Offshore Wind Scale & Figures

Immediate/Local Potential: Between 5 GW and 10 GW of generation capacity lies within 12 miles of the islands, with broader regional models citing up to 17,000 MW (17 GW) of nearby offshore wind potential.

Broader Northern Potential: Orkney—alongside Shetland and the Outer Hebrides—shares access to a regional pool exceeding 100 GW of offshore wind capacity.

Major Projects: The landmark West of Orkney Windfarm (located 30 km off the west coast) features a capacity of 2 GW (up to 125 fixed-foundation turbines), designed to power over 2 million homes and target initial power generation around 2030. It is the first ScotWind project to secure both offshore and onshore planning consents.

Infrastructure & Grid Challenges

Grid Bottlenecks: Orkney frequently generates more than 130% of its local power needs from renewables, leading to significant wind curtailment because legacy interconnector cables to the Scottish mainland are heavily constrained (limited to roughly 40 MW).

Upcoming Upgrades: A new major transmission interconnector cable project is slated to scale up export capacity and relieve these constraints by the end of 2028.

Ports and Supply Chain: Strategic port developments—such as the Scapa Deep Water Quay project at Scapa Flow—are receiving multi-million-pound investments to transform Orkney into a primary assembly, manufacturing, and maintenance hub for Scottish and European floating and fixed offshore wind farms.

It appears that the priority is better transmission of the generated electricity.

Conclusion

It looks like a substantial amount of green electricity can be harvested and brought South, either as electricity or as green hydrogen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 20, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

EEZ Of The UK And Neighbouring Coastal States

I’ve just found this better map.

Didn’t we do well!

October 19, 2026 Posted by | Energy | , , , | Leave a comment

The Size Of The UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

I want  to refer to this more and more, so I’ve put it in a separate post.

This map from the European Atlas of the Seas, shows the various exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in the North Sea.

Note.

  1. The pinkish zone to the East of the UK, is the UK’s EEZ.
  2. The light blue zone at the top is Norway’s EEZ.
  3. The greenish zone in the North-East corner of the map is Denmark’s EEZ.
  4. The light blue zone below Denmark’s EEZ is Germany’s EEZ.
  5. Then we have the EEZs for The Netherlands, Belgium and France.

The Dogger Bank is situated where the UK, Dutch, German and Norwegian EEZs meet.

Didn’t we do well!

But Belgium and Germany miss out badly, when it comes for virgin sea to fill with wind farms.

October 9, 2026 Posted by | Energy | , , , , , , , | Leave a comment