The first of two export cables, each 37km in length, has been installed at the nearshore of Thorntonloch Beach as part of construction of the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm off Scotland.
The cables will connect NnG’s two offshore platforms to its onshore substation located in the Lammermuir Hills.
The offshore cable was transported to the nearshore area of Thorntonloch Beach by Prysmian Group’s cable-laying vessel Cable Enterprise.
An onshore winch cable was pulled through a 650-metre long horizontal directional drill duct and connected to the offshore cable situated on the deck of the vessel, 1km from shore.
The offshore cable was then directed back through the duct towards onshore where it will be connected to the onshore cables behind Thorntonloch Beach.
The cables will be buried to protect them from damage.
Prysmian expects the second offshore cable to be installed in July.
NnG is jointly owned by EDF Renewables and ESB.
NnG project director Matthias Haag said: “The installation of the first of our two offshore cables is a significant milestone in the construction of NnG.
“These two 37km cables will play a pivotal role in connecting our two offshore platforms to the onshore substation over in the Lammermuir Hills.
“We’re grateful to all our neighbours in and around the Throntonloch area for their patience as we carry out these vital construction works nearshore.”
Prysmian Group NnG project director Massimo Galletta said: “We are proud of being selected for such a strategic project, proving our state-of-the-art cable technology, know-how and project execution expertise to support the growing renewable energy industry.”