EDF Renewables and ESB have generated first power from the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm off east Scotland.
The milestone, which had originally been due last year but held up due to various challenges including on the project’s electrical system, paves the way to full commissioning in 2025.
When complete, the wind farm will consist of 54 Siemens Gamesa turbines.
NNG project director Matthias Haag, said: “This is great for the project and is a positive step in achieving the country’s net zero targets.
“We have worked closely with the local communities and we thank them for their patience as we’ve progressed towards this milestone. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the life story of NNG as we work to completion.”
Ryanne Burges, director of offshore for EDF Renewables, added: “We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone for NNG and over the coming months we look forward to even more clean electricity being sent to the grid.
“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 developers said NNG has already brought substantial benefits to many local communities in the east of Scotland.
It has also made an impact within the supply chain locally and wider in Scotland, working with local businesses where possible. This includes Forth Ports at the Port of Dundee, I&H Brown, Briggs Marine and Muir Construction Ltd, they added.
The Operations and Maintenance Base overlooking Eyemouth Harbour continues to embed itself in the local community.
There are 27 employees currently working there, many of them local, to bring the project online. Over the 25-year lifespan, around 50 jobs will be created and based there.