SSE Renewables has placed a 443MW turbine order with Vestas for the Viking wind project on the Shetland Islands in the Northern Atlantic.
The deal, first reported exclusively in reNEWS, comprises 103 V117-4.2MW turbines in a 4.3MW power optimised mode for the project.
Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023 with commissioning taking place that year.
Viking marks Vestas’ largest standalone wind farm order in Europe to date.
By using a turbine model “known for its ability to withstand extreme wind conditions”, the turbines are “an exceptional fit” for the site’s strong winds that will maximise energy output for the site and lower the levelised cost of energy, Vestas said.
Vestas will also service the turbines under a 30-year agreement and plans to set up a Shetland Islands-based service team that will provide employment opportunities, supported by an apprentice programme.
SSE Renewables director of capital projects Paul Cooley said: “This contract represents another significant milestone for our Viking project.
“We are delighted to be working with Vestas again with whom we have a significant track record of project delivery.
“The optimised V117-4.3 MW machines provide the durability and performance that we require to ensure that Viking delivers to its full potential.
“Viking will be the largest onshore wind farm in the UK by output and will bring significant economic opportunities to Shetland and beyond.”
Vestas Northern and Central Europe president Nils de Baar added: “We are pleased to continue our cooperation with SSE Renewables, an excellent partnership that dates back 20 years.
“The Viking project creates a highly competitive business case for our customer and sends a strong signal for economic growth and green recovery in Shetland Islands, the UK and beyond.
“It is an honour for us to contribute to the success of this landmark wind project”.
Viking wind farm will produce almost two terawatt-hours of electricity each year.
When complete, it will be the UK’s largest and “most productive” onshore wind farm in terms of annual electricity output, playing a “crucial role” in contributing towards the UK and Scotland’s net zero targets, Vestas said.