The collaborative effort between Siemens Energy and Iemants, a subsidiary of Smulders, has officially commenced the assembly and fit-out of the offshore substation platform and jacket foundation for the Inch Cape Offshore Wind project. Situated 15 kilometers off the Angus coast in Scotland, the 1100MW wind venture is a joint venture owned by Red Rock Power and ESB, operating under the entity Inch Cape Offshore Wind.
Siemens Energy, leading the consortium, is tasked with delivering the offshore substation, which involves utilizing Siemens Energy’s offshore transformer module technology. Additionally, Siemens Energy is responsible for designing and constructing the onshore substation in Cockenzie, East Lothian.
The work, taking place at the Smulders yard in Wallsend, Newcastle, encompasses the assembly and fit-out of the platform and its jacket foundation. More than 250 local employees are expected to contribute to the project, which is anticipated to span approximately 18 months before the completed structure is transported by sea for installation at the wind farm site in 2025.
In tandem with the offshore developments, work has already commenced on the 2.6-hectare onshore substation for Inch Cape, strategically located on the former Cockenzie Power Station site. This onshore facility is closely connected to the existing transmission network, further enhancing the efficiency of the overall wind energy project.
The collaborative initiative underscores the commitment to advancing the offshore wind sector, leveraging Siemens Energy’s expertise and the capabilities of the consortium members. The construction milestone signals progress in realizing the ambitious Inch Cape Offshore Wind project, a significant contributor to the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
