SSE has selected Siemens Energy as the preferred supplier for wind turbines and offshore substation platforms for its 1.4GW Berwick Bank B offshore wind project off the east coast of Scotland.
The appointment represents a significant development in the procurement and supply chain preparation for the project, which forms part of SSE’s wider 4.3GW Berwick Bank offshore wind development in the outer Firth of Forth.
Under the proposed arrangement, Siemens Energy will supply the wind turbines and offshore substation platforms. The company will deliver the substation platforms in partnership with Belgian offshore engineering company Smulders and Dutch company HSM Offshore Energy, through their Smulders-HSM partnership.
However, the preferred supplier appointment remains subject to SSE making a final investment decision (FID) and awarding the definitive contracts. The developer currently expects to make its investment decision in late 2027.
The selection is also expected to support 2,677 jobs across the UK, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, project delivery and servicing.
The development also reinforces Scotland and northern England’s position in the UK’s growing offshore wind manufacturing and engineering supply chain alongside other projects such as Vanguard wind farm projects in Norfolk.
Siemens Energy’s Role in the Berwick Bank B Offshore Wind Farm Development
The Siemens agreement covers two important elements of the offshore wind farm’s infrastructure: wind turbine supply and offshore substation platforms.
Wind turbines will form the main electricity generation component of the development. They will converting offshore wind resources into electrical power.
The offshore substations, meanwhile, will collect and transform electricity generated by the turbines before it is transmitted through subsea export cables towards the onshore electricity network.
Siemens Energy will undertake the turbine and substation supply arrangements. Smulders-HSM on the other hand will participate in delivering the offshore substation platforms.
The selection is also particularly significant for the UK manufacturing sector. This is because of the thousands of jobs to be created through Siemens Energy’s existing industrial operations and project-related activities.
According to SSE, approximately 2,222 jobs are associated with Siemens Energy’s existing and project-based operations in northern England.
Another 455 jobs are also going to be supported by Siemens Energy and SSE across Scotland.
Furthermore, the latest agreement brings the total number of UK jobs associated with Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm commitments announced by SSE to approximately 3,272. This includes 985 in Scotland.
What Is the Berwick Bank B Offshore Wind Project?
Berwick Bank B is a proposed 1.4GW offshore wind development located approximately 38 kilometers off the Scottish coast in the outer Firth of Forth.
It forms also part of SSE’s wider Berwick Bank offshore wind development. The wider development has a planned total capacity of 4.3GW.
The wider development is also expected to become one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms if fully delivered.
Berwick Bank B offshore wind project secured a Contract for Difference (CfD) in the UK’s Allocation Round 7 earlier in 2026. This provides an important step towards securing long-term revenue arrangements for the proposed electricity generation capacity.
The development is also expected to contribute substantially to Scotland’s renewable electricity generation capacity. This is while supporting the UK’s wider clean energy and energy security objectives.
More Than 3,200 Jobs Expected Across the UK Supply Chain
The Siemens Energy preferred supplier appointment builds on several earlier supply chain commitments made by SSE for Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm project.
These include the selection of Seaway7 as preferred supplier for the design, supply and installation of offshore foundations and inter-array cables.
That agreement is associated with approximately 465 jobs.
SSE has also identified around 100 long-term operations and maintenance jobs. This will be alongside 30 construction roles linked to its planned operations and maintenance base at Montrose Port.
Combined with the latest Siemens Energy agreement, the commitments bring the announced UK employment opportunities associated with the project to approximately 3,272.
These opportunities span several industrial sectors, including offshore construction, electrical engineering and turbine manufacturing. Steel fabrication, cable installation, port operations and long-term maintenance are also included.
The manufacturing and engineering opportunities are particularly important for northern England and Scotland, where the project is expected to support existing industrial facilities as well as new project delivery requirements.
Berwick Bank B Offshore Wind Farm Project: Construction Timeline
Although Siemens Energy has been selected as preferred supplier, the project has not yet reached its final investment decision (FID).
SSE expects to make the investment decision in late 2027. This is also subject to the necessary commercial and project approvals.
Preparatory offshore construction activities could begin in 2028 following the investment decision.
The installation of wind turbines and offshore substation infrastructure is currently scheduled to start in 2030. Additionally installation activities are expected to continue until 2032.
The final construction schedule will also depend on the completion of the procurement process, project approvals, offshore installation planning and the availability of specialized construction vessels and equipment.
The Siemens Energy appointment nevertheless represents an important step in advancing the project’s procurement strategy and establishing its industrial supply chain.
Berwick Bank B Offshore Wind Farm Project Fact Sheet
Location: Outer Firth of Forth, Scotland
Developer: SSE
Total capacity of wider Berwick Bank development: 4.3GW
Capacity of Berwick Bank B: 1.4GW
Preferred turbine supplier: Siemens Energy
Preferred offshore substation supplier: Siemens Energy
Substation platform delivery partner: Smulders-HSM
Foundations and inter-array cable preferred supplier: Seaway7
Distance offshore: Approximately 38km
Final investment decision: Expected late 2027
Preparatory offshore construction: Potentially 2028
Turbine and substation installation: 2030-2032
Jobs from Siemens Energy appointment: 2,677
Total announced UK job commitments: 3,272
Scottish job commitments: 985
Who is Involved in the project?
- SSE: Project developer and owner.
- Siemens Energy: Preferred supplier for wind turbines and offshore substation platforms.
- Smulders: Offshore substation platform delivery partner.
- HSM Offshore Energy: Offshore substation platform delivery partner.
- Seaway7: Preferred supplier for foundations and inter-array cables.
- Montrose Port: Planned operations and maintenance base.
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