Siemens has delivered the first transformer for the onshore substation at New Deer for the 950MW Moray East offshore wind farm off Scotland.
The 12-metre long transformer was moved from the port at Peterhead to the substation site by a 70-metre-long 20 Axle 350Te girder frame transporter on Sunday 27 October with a police escort.
Once the transformer has been skidded into position, the installation of associated electrical equipment will begin, Siemens said.
A total of three transformers will be supplied to the project to change the voltage of the power brought onshore at 220,000 volts, so that it can be transmitted into the grid at 275,000 volts.
It is anticipated installation of all three transformers will be completed by the first quarter of 2020, with all work completed at the onshore substation site by the end of first quarter 2021.
Siemens Transmission and Distribution EPC managing director Mark Pilling said: “The transformer forms the backbone of a modern energy grid, and its reliable operation is crucial to ensuring a stable and resilient power supply.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to get the first of three transformers safely delivered to site and can now begin to undertake some of the most important work in the project’s development to provide low cost, low carbon electricity.”
Work started on the onshore substation site in March, with about 130 people currently working on the development.
Enabling civils works have already completed and main civil works are well underway, Siemens said.
Moray East project director Marcel Sunier said: “This is one of the largest electrical components for the largest construction project in Scotland, so I am delighted to see it arrive safely on site.
“The scale of the work involved just to get this transformer to site reflects the magnitude of the project – which will ultimately be capable of delivering almost 40% of the country’s domestic electricity needs.
“I would like to thank all those involved in enabling us to reach another major project milestone safely.”
Moray East will feature 100 MHI Vestas V164-9.5MW turbines and is expected to be operational by 2022.