EDF Renewables has reached financial close on the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm off the east coast of Scotland.
The French developer has brought Irish utility ESB on board as a 50% shareholder on the project and has secured funding from 25 financial institutions.
Manufacturing of components has kicked off with offshore construction due to begin in June 2020 and commissioning expected in 2023.
EDF has also confirmed a number of tier-one contracts, including with Saipem to manufacture and install 54 turbine foundations, Siemens Gamesa as turbine supplier and GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business as the offshore and onshore substation provider.
All three deals were first reported earlier this year by subscriber-only reNEWS.
Scottish fabricator BiFab has secured “a number” of jackets from Saipem, according to EDF.
Prysmian meanwhile will supply and install export cables, DEME Offshore is the turnkey contractor on array cables and Fred Olsen Windcarrier will transport and install turbines.
Scottish ports Dundee and Eyemouth will be used as assembly and operations and maintenance bases, respectively.
EDF Renewables UK chief executive Matthieu Hue said: “These are hugely important milestones for the project, and a great credit to the EDF Renewables team. We are excited to get work under way with our new equity partner ESB, our contractors, and all Scottish companies and stakeholders participating in the project.
“The 450 MW NnG project will play an important role in de-carbonising the UK electricity system and is a further example of EDF Renewables continuous investment and growth in Scotland.”
ESB chief executive Pat O’Doherty added: “This investment in the Neart na Gaoithe project builds on significant ESB involvement in offshore wind off the Irish coast as ESB develops its experience to assist Ireland deliver its Climate Action Plan. We look forward to pooling our expertise with EDF Renewables in delivering this major project.”
The Scottish government’s finance secretary Derek Mackay said: “This is positive news for the Port of Dundee, Eyemouth Harbour and BiFab in Fife, which are set to benefit from the associated jobs and investment in the local community, demonstrating the strengths and potential of our indigenous supply chain.
“The Scottish Government is actively encouraging developers to explore every possible option to help the Scottish supply chain in the development of future offshore wind projects. While we believe that much more is possible from across the whole sector, today’s announcement is another welcome step in the right direction.”
Project director Matthias Haag (pictured, left) meanwhile said the project will be a boost for the Scottish supply chain.
“Each of our main contractors will be introduced to further Scottish contractors through the Forth and Tay offshore cluster which we have supported since it was formed this year. It is designed to maximise local supply chain and employment opportunities as much as possible.”
Neart na Gaoithe is due online in 2023.