SSE Renewables, a renewable energy company, has set a new record in the offshore wind energy sector. The company has announced the installation of the world's deepest wind turbine foundation at the Seagreen offshore wind farm located in the North Sea, Scotland.
At a depth of 58.6 meters, this turbine foundation surpasses the previous record of 57.4 meters set by the same offshore wind farm project in October 2022. This installation represents the 112th jacket to be placed at the Scottish offshore wind farm, which is anticipated to be fully operational later this year.
See also: SSE Thermal Secures 10-Year Contracts for Sustainable Biofuel Power Stations in Ireland
The Seagreen offshore wind farm, which is jointly owned by TotalEnergies and SSE Renewables, is a crucial part of the UK's energy transition plan. The project features 114 turbines and is expected to produce almost 5,000GWh of clean energy per annum, enough to power over 1.6 million households in the UK. The estimated investment in the project is £3bn, and it is a critical component of SSE's £12.5bn Net Zero Acceleration Plan.
The installation of the world's deepest wind turbine foundation at Seagreen is a significant achievement for the renewable energy industry. Each of the wind turbine foundations weighs 2,000 tonnes and is lifted into place by the semisubmersible crane vessel, Saipem 7000. The final wind turbine foundation is expected to be installed later this week.
Scotland Energy Security and Net Zero Minister of State Graham Stuart commented, “As I saw first-hand last week, Seagreen is making history with the world's deepest wind turbine foundation, which, once operational, will play an invaluable role in powering more of Britain from Britain.” The successful installation of this foundation marks a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving net zero emissions in the UK.
See also: Siemens Gamesa Records €760 Million Loss in Q1 Due to Unexpected Turbine Component Failure Costs
SSE Chief Executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies, added, “By the end of the decade, we have plans to invest over £24bn in Britain alone.” The company's ambitious plans to invest in critical low-carbon infrastructure will help the UK achieve energy independence and reduce its carbon footprint.
Overall, the Seagreen offshore wind farm project is a testament to the UK's commitment to transitioning to clean energy sources and achieving its net zero goals. With the installation of the world's deepest wind turbine foundation, the Seagreen project is at the forefront of technological advancements in the renewable energy industry and will play a crucial role in meeting the UK's energy demands in the years to come.
