The final Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD wind turbine has been successfully installed at Ocean Winds' 882MW Moray West offshore wind farm in Scotland. With the “Power Boost” feature, each turbine can produce up to 14.7MW, making them Europe's largest offshore commercial turbines. The project remains on track for full operational status by 2025, aligning with its original timeline.
Adam Morrison, UK Country Manager for Ocean Winds, stated, “This is a fantastic milestone to mark the installation of all the wind turbines for Moray West. The project has some way to go before it is fully commissioned; nevertheless, this landmark demonstrates Ocean Winds' commitment to successful delivery through our fantastic professional and safe teams.”
Moray West overcame supply chain and environmental challenges to stay on schedule. Siemens Gamesa assembled the 60 turbines using components manufactured at its Hull facility, which employs 1,300 workers after recent expansions. Installation was executed from the Port of Nigg, utilizing the heavy lift vessel Wind Orca.
Pete Geddes, Project Director of Moray West, reflected on the achievement: “What a journey – and what a result. Subsea surveys, boulder clearance, bomb disposal, scour protection, monopiles, vibro-hammers, transition pieces, cables, onshore and offshore substations – and finally, the deployment of the world's largest capacity offshore wind turbine to date. More important than ever, the project has been delivered on time, on budget, and with the highest level of quality.”
Once operational, Moray West will supply clean energy to approximately 1.33 million homes annually. It is expected to inject over £800 million into the Scottish economy during its lifecycle, with construction generating 1,500 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) years of employment and 60 long-term operational roles based in Buckie.
Morrison emphasized the broader significance, stating, “With two more projects in development in the United Kingdom and Moray East already operating, we are proud to be leaders in the United Kingdom's energy transition. Over more than a decade developing our projects in the Moray Firth region, we have been key drivers in developing the supply chain, creating and supporting varied jobs in Scotland and the wider UK.”
Ocean Winds plans to build on its success with additional offshore wind initiatives, including the Caledonia project. Morrison added, “Pipeline continuity is essential to the success of the energy transition in the north-east of Scotland, and we need the support of both governments to ensure we can move promptly on to our next major project in the region.”
Moray West exemplifies the potential of offshore wind energy to drive economic growth while advancing renewable energy targets, setting the stage for future innovations in Scotland and beyond.
