Ocean Winds has successfully delivered first power from the Moray West offshore wind farm, marking a significant step towards its anticipated full operational capacity by 2025, according to the joint venture of EDPR and Engie. Situated off the north-east coast of Scotland in the Moray Firth, the project aims to install a total of 60 Siemens Gamesa 14.7MW turbines, with around 40 yet to be completed.
“The milestone puts the scheme on track to become fully operational in 2025,” Ocean Winds confirmed in a statement. Following the installation of foundations, offshore substations, and array cables, turbine components are currently being pre-assembled at the Port of Nigg in preparation for offshore deployment.
At the onshore substation in Whitehillock, final construction work on the second circuit is nearing completion, following the successful commissioning of the first. The project has also completed the installation of export cables, buried within a designated cable corridor, ensuring the electrical connection between the wind turbines and the grid at the Blackhillock substation.
Ocean Winds' Chief Operating Officer, Bautista Rodriguez, emphasized the project's resilience and adaptability in the global context: “Announcing first power for Moray West in the current international context marks Ocean Winds' commitment to successful delivery, adaptability, reactivity, and resilience.”
Project Director Pete Geddes expressed pride in the team's achievements: “I am so proud of the Moray West project team and our supply chain partners, which have worked tirelessly, professionally, and safely to ensure we are able to celebrate reaching the First Power milestone on Moray West.”
With additional projects underway in the UK and the operational Moray East project, Ocean Winds continues to play a significant role in the UK's energy transition strategy. The company remains committed to fostering local opportunities and contributing to clean energy production through advanced offshore wind technologies in the Moray Firth region and beyond.
