The injection of the first power from the Moray West project, located on the Moray Firth in the north of Scotland, has been successfully achieved. This power from the first series of installed wind turbines has been exported to the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS).

The 882MW wind farm is nearing the end of the construction phase and will become fully operational in 2025 in line with the originally projected commercial operations date. 

The Moray West project, under the stewardship of Ocean Winds, has made commendable strides in construction, effectively navigating a rigorous timeline.

Following the installation of all foundations, offshore substations, and array cables, the rest of the turbine components are being pre-assembled at the Port of Nigg before offshore installation. At the onshore substation, construction work is being finalised on the 2nd circuit, following commissioning of the first. The export cables are in place, buried within the pre-defined cable corridor, completing the electrical connection between the wind turbines, and the NETS at Blackhillock substation. 

Bautista Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Winds, commented: “Announcing first power for Moray West in the current international context marks Ocean Winds’ commitment to successful delivery, adaptability, reactivity and resilience, as well as highlighting the tremendous work from our teams. With two more projects in development in the United Kingdom and Moray East already operating, we are proud to take an active and growing part in the United Kingdom’s energy transition. Our long-term presence in the Moray Firth region developing supply chain, unlocking local opportunities and generating clean energy through state-of-the-art offshore wind projects is the perfect example of what Ocean Winds is committed to delivering in its 16 secured projects worldwide.”

Moray West, part of Ocean Winds’ 6GW portfolio of secured offshore wind farms in the UK, is expected to create more than 1,500 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) years in Scotland, with 70 long-term operational roles based in Buckie. 

More than half of the investment and operating costs of Moray West will benefit the UK economy, underlining Ocean Winds’ commitment to local supply chains.  Moray West is also supporting a number of local education and training goals, including transitioning of skilled workforce from the oil and gas sector, apprenticeship and internship programmes, as well as sponsoring PhD candidates focused on environmental studies. The new and growing operational team in the coastal town of Buckie includes technicians and trainee technicians with the team taking responsibility for the project assets as they are commissioned.  Over half the Ocean Winds operations team have an oil and gas background.

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Moray West offshore wind farm:

• Moray Offshore Windfarm (West) Limited, known as Moray West, is a fully consented offshore wind project off the coast of Scotland. 
• Total capacity: 882 MW, from 60 turbines of 14.7 MW/unit, in total generating enough power for the equivalent to 1.3 million homes in the UK. 
• Technology: offshore wind, bottom fixed, XXL monopiles
• Status: under construction with first power announced in this press release. Offshore installation majority completed with installation of remaining wind turbines the substantive construction activity remaining to be completed before full power can be exported, due around the end of 2024.
• Location: Moray Firth, Scotland, UK
• Distance from coast: 22 km
• The project has secured Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) for a significant proportion of its output and a CfD for 220.5 MW from AR4.