EDF Renewables has generated the first power from the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm in Scotland.
The offshore wind facility has started supplying electricity to the UK’s national grid.
Located 15.5km off the coast of Fife, the Neart na Gaoithe project will feature 54 8MW wind turbine generators (WTGs) from Siemens Gamesa along with two offshore transformer platforms (OTPs).
Once fully operational, the Scottish offshore wind farm is expected to generate sufficient clean energy to deliver power to approximately 375,000 households in the UK.
Besides, the Neart na Gaoithe project will eliminate more than 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
EDF Renewables UK secured the offshore wind farm in May 2018 through a competitive bidding process. In November 2019, ESB acquired a 50% share in the project.
The onshore construction of the Neart na Gaoithe facility began in November 2019, followed by offshore work in August 2020.
The wind farm is anticipated to be fully commissioned by the summer of 2025, with turbine installation and commissioning slated to be completed over the coming months.
EDF Renewables revealed that the drilling and the installation of all the foundation jackets of the Neart na Gaoithe project have been completed. Saipem, responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of the steel foundation jackets, completed its work in October last year.
Additionally, the installation of three substations has been carried out, which include two offshore and one onshore at the Crystal Rig wind farm in the Lammermuir Hills.
According to EDF Renewables, the offshore wind project has brought considerable economic benefits to the local area, engaging with a range of Scottish businesses. It has also supported 24 community initiatives across the east of Scotland.
EDF Renewables offshore and Ireland director Ryanne Burges said: “NnG is a pivotal project in the EDF Renewables UK and Ireland portfolio as we accelerate towards a net zero future where clean energy powers our lives.
“It will continue to bring significant benefits to local communities across the east coast of Scotland through support for local projects and initiatives, the supply chain and through local jobs for local people.”
The operations and maintenance base, overlooking Eyemouth Harbour, currently employs 27 staff, most of whom are local. Over the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm, around 50 jobs will be generated at the facility.
