Vattenfall has officially opened its 93MW Aberdeen Bay wind farm off the coast of Scotland to help “turbocharge” growth in the industry.
The project, which is also known as the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), comprises two MHI Vestas V164 8.8MW turbines and nine 8.4MW machines with tip heights of 191 metres.
As well as testing new technology, such as the suction bucket jacket foundations and 66kV cabling, the project’s impact on marine life will be studied.
Vattenfalll and the EU have invested €3m to study the effect of offshore wind farms on dolphins, salmon, sea trout and sea birds.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I am proud that as part of this ground-breaking project, the world’s most powerful offshore wind turbines are now up and running in Scotland.
“The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre will maintain Scotland’s reputation for innovation in low carbon and renewable energy development and deployment.
“A single rotation of one of these 8.8MW turbines will generate enough energy to power a home for 24 hours which truly shows the potential of this technology to strengthen Scotland’s renewable energy generating capacity in the future.”
Vattenfall president and chief executive officer Magnus Hall said: “The innovation we have implemented at the EOWDC – and will continue to demonstrate – will turbocharge the growth of a global, low cost offshore wind industry.”
Vattenfall wind business head Gunnar Groebler said: “We have built this pioneering project in partnership and we especially salute the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), the Scottish government and Crown Estate Scotland, for their commitment to deploying what is arguably the world’s most innovative wind farm.
“The sheer power and majesty on display at the EOWDC is thanks to the skill, expertise, experience and commitment to safety of Vattenfall’s engineers, specialists and suppliers.
MHI Vestas chief operations officer Flemming Ougaard said: “The EOWDC will provide valuable insights on innovative technologies in offshore wind – technologies that will advance the offshore wind sector. We’re very proud to have partnered with Vattenfall in bringing the EOWDC to life.”
Crown Estate Scotland senior manager for energy and infrastructure John Robertson said: “This is a fantastic achievement that further cements Scotland’s position as world-leader in offshore wind.
“With preparations starting for more projects to be built late 2020s, this is a timely reminder of what can be achieved and of the huge potential that Scotland has for the future development of offshore wind, benefitting climate, consumers and communities.”
AREG chair Jean Morrison said: “As Scotland’s largest test and demonstration facility, the EOWDC is a landmark project and confirms the north-east of Scotland’s pole position in international offshore wind innovation.
“The facility underlines the transferrable skills from oil and gas into renewables and will help the region diversify its energy-based economy as well as bring considerable benefits to people across the region.
“Throughout construction, the EOWDC has energised local communities and we believe it’s a true cause for celebration.”
Smulders fabricated the project’s 11 suction bucket foundations, which were installed by balance of plant contractor Boskalis.
VBMS installed the project’s 66kV JDR-made export and array cables. The wind farm exported first power in early July.
Image: Vattenfall
Aberdeen ‘turbocharges’ offshore
By EBS