GE Grid Solutions, NKT and Boskalis Subsea Cables & Flexibles have been chosen to deliver the electrical transmission systems package for the over 700MW Inch Cape offshore wind farm off the Angus coast of Scotland.
The deal covers the supply and installation of about 85km of 220kV dual circuit AC export cables and both offshore and onshore substation infrastructure.
GE Grid Solutions will design, supply and install high voltage equipment including the proposed onshore substation near Cockenzie and the offshore platform.
The company’s Stafford-based design team in the UK will also provide the electrical system design for the project and manufacture components of the primary equipment, including the main transformers.
Boskalis and NKT will design, supply and install the offshore export cables. NKT will be responsible for the design and manufacture of the export cables while, Boskalis’ VBMS will be responsible for installation and route engineering works.
Inch Cape project manager Ian Johnson said: “Announcing our preferred suppliers is a momentous step forward for the project and we hope government and industry alike will take this as a sign of confidence that we are in a favourable position to progress following consent and CfD eligibility.
“Our decision-making process was carefully informed by our demand for high quality products and services, as well as the need to create jobs and boost the renewables service industry here in Scotland and the UK.
“We are satisfied that we have achieved the right balance and would encourage local suppliers to maximise the opportunities that will be available to them.”
Preferred suppliers for the turbine and marine packages will be announced shortly.
Inch Cape said it is also continuing to engage with local port authorities to confirm where the operations and maintenance base will be located.
It added that local businesses operating within the renewables and energy sectors can still confirm interest in attending supply chain events the developer is holding in Aberdeen on Wednesday 28 November and in Edinburgh on Friday 30 November.
Johnson said: “Our preferred suppliers will rely on local businesses to help them achieve and deliver elements of the construction packages. These supply chain events will give smaller, tier two and three suppliers a chance to learn more about the project and opportunities to secure contracts, as well as how to navigate the complex procurement process.
“We look forward to engaging with these local industry experts and sharing more insights into how the Inch Cape wind farm will be developed.”