Major step forward for new Moray West wind farm as first turbine installed
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THE first turbine in the new Moray West wind farm has been installed.
In all 60 such turbines will be put in place, each one able to generate up to 14.7 MW output. Running the wind farm project in international firm Ocean Winds.
The pre-assembly activity of the 60 turbines is being managed by Siemens Gamesa, Siemens Energy’s wind business, who are also manufacturing all the 180 B108 blades for the project at their quayside factory in Hull. The facility has recently doubled in size to support the production of these B108 blades and employs over 1000 people. When installed they will be the longest in UK waters.
The 108m long blades are the largest being made in the UK, even longer than the Wembley Stadium football pitch, and are built to withstand exceedingly strong wind forces in a demanding offshore environment.
Siemens Gamesa is marshalling all turbine components at Port of Nigg from where the Cadeler heavy lift vessel Wind Orca is undertaking the installations. The wind turbine installation campaign is due to run for most of the rest of 2024.
Project Director for Moray West Pete Geddes said: “This is a fantastic achievement, which is the result of the collective efforts of an incredible team of skilled professionals.
“The Moray West team can feel really proud of this huge milestone. Many congratulations to SGRE on this achievement as well, who have done an excellent job throughout the execution phase!
“Installing this new model of huge wind turbines, with the longest blades in the UK, demonstrates the commitment of Ocean Winds to innovation as well as the UK supply chain. All the blades being fabricated in Siemens Gamesa’s recently expanded facility in Hull and all the components being marshalled through Port of Nigg.
“We now look forward to successfully and safely completing the remaining turbine installations as we reach for full export capacity, helping to deliver Net Zero targets and lower costs to consumers.”
Darren Davidson, Vice President of Siemens Energy UK&I and Siemens Gamesa UK, added: “It’s fantastic to see the first Moray West turbine successfully installed out in the North Sea.
“I’m so proud of our team who have been working hard to deliver the 180 wind turbine blades for this project and supporting the safe transportation and installation of these turbines. Moray West will be an important step forward in achieving the UK’s offshore wind targets.”
