The Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm is preparing for a significant milestone as the installation of its wind turbines is scheduled to commence in the coming days, with a tentative start date of 7 July. Key turbine components have already been delivered to the Port of Dundee. Furthermore, the installation vessel Blue Tern, currently stationed at the Port of Esbjerg, will soon embark on its journey to the Scottish waters.
EDF Renewables and ESB jointly own the project. It will consist of 54 Siemens Gamesa 8 MW wind turbines, which will be securely mounted on jacket foundations. Ten foundations were previously installed last year along with two for the wind farm’s substations. Furthermore, the remaining foundations are currently being put in place by the heavy-lift vessel Thialf.
Accompanied by crew transfer vessels Farra Ciara, Mareel Sage, and Largo, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s installation vessel, Blue Tern, will play a crucial role in this project phase. Although currently located in the Port of Esbjerg, it is expected to depart soon for Scotland.
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Construction of Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm in Scotland
Last month, the Port of Dundee received the first shipment of eight wind turbine nacelles for the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm. Simultaneously, the construction of the initial towers was already underway at the port. Situated approximately 15 kilometres off the coast of Fife, the 450 MW wind farm is anticipated to provide clean energy to around 375,000 households. It will also significantly contribute to offsetting over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually once it is fully commissioned in 2024.
Mainstream Renewable Power initially obtained exclusive development rights for the wind farm in February 2009. Later, EDF subsequently acquired ownership of the project in May 2018. In December 2018, the Scottish government also granted permission to reduce the number of turbines to 54. However, they maintained the same overall capacity. This landmark offshore wind farm represents a major step in Scotland’s commitment to clean energy and sustainable future development.
