Developers of the Neart na Gaoithe (NNG) wind farm off Fife have hailed the “most momentous milestone yet” with the installation of the project’s first turbine.
Components for the huge scheme have been marshalled at the Port of Dundee for several weeks, with assembly and installation now underway at the site around 9 miles off the Fife coast.
Developed by EDF Renewables and ESB, once fully operational the scheme will have a capacity of around 450MW.
The first of 54 turbines – which have a tip height of over 200 metres – was installed this week on top of an 87.5m tower by Siemens Gamesa, using the specialist jack-up wind turbine construction vessel, the Blue Tern.
This was followed by the installation of the 350-tonne nacelle, containing the turbine generator, on top of the tower.
Finally, its three blades, each 81 metres in length, were bolted to the nacelle.
Once commissioned, this will be the first NnG wind turbine to export electricity to the National Grid.
Its 8MW of power will be sent via a subsea cable to the offshore substation – also installed last month – and then brought to shore via an export cable to Thorntonloch Beach, where a further cable will carry power to the national grid.
An operations and maintenance base which will serve the project over its 25-year life was opened in Berwickshire earlier this year.
© Supplied by NNGLong road to completion
The “milestone” moment has been some time coming for the developers.
NnG had previously been expected to hit full production in 2023, but the timeline was pushed back earlier this year due to the impacts of Covid and delays, with full completion now scheduled for 2024.
That journey has also seen multiple supply chain issues, following the collapse of supplier BiFab –which was to supply jackets for the scheme – and later the termination of a contract with its successor Harland & Wolff last year.
Meanwhile, contractor Saipem issued a profit warning early last year believed to be linked to huge losses on its contract to supply and install foundations at the site.
NnG Project Director, Matthias Haag, said this week: “This is truly a pivotal moment for the NnG offshore wind farm. The construction of the first NnG wind turbine was a momentous sight.
“It’s a great achievement for our team and our contractors and we’ve taken a massive step towards our goal of generating 450MW of clean, green energy and helping Scotland achieve its Net Zero targets.”
Forth Ports director of energy David Webster said: “The Port of Dundee has demonstrated that Scotland can build world class port infrastructure to support the delivery of major offshore wind farms.
“Working with the NnG and Siemens Gamesa teams we have delivered the first turbine to a remarkable project that will not only deliver green energy but has also been a catalyst for local supply chain development and industry collaboration.”
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