Ocean Winds has achieved a significant milestone with the initial power generation and export from the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm, located in the Moray Firth, northern Scotland. This milestone marks the project's progression towards full commissioning, with the first power now being transmitted to the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS).

The Moray West project, boasting an 882MW capacity, is nearing the final stages of its construction phase. It is expected to become fully operational by 2025, adhering to the original commercial operations timeline. The construction work has involved the use of the ports of Invergordon and Nigg in the Cromarty Firth for construction vessels, while Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) have been operating out of Buckie harbour in Moray.

In recent developments, all foundations, offshore substations, and array cables have been installed, and the turbine components are currently being pre-assembled at the Port of Nigg for offshore installation. Onshore, construction work on the second circuit of the substation is being finalized, following the commissioning of the first. The export cables, laid within the designated cable corridor, now complete the electrical connection between the wind turbines and the NETS at Blackhillock substation.

Important role in the UK’s energy transition

Bautista Rodriguez, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Winds, emphasized the importance of this milestone in the current international context, highlighting the company's commitment to adaptability and resilience. Rodriguez praised the teams for their hard work and pointed out Ocean Winds' significant role in the UK’s energy transition, with Moray East already operational and two more projects in development. He also stressed the company's long-term commitment to the Moray Firth region, including local supply chain development and the generation of clean energy.

Pete Geddes, Project Director for Moray West, expressed his pride in the project team and supply chain partners for their professional and safe work leading to this achievement. He looks forward to handing over the project to the new Operations team in early 2025. Geddes also highlighted the necessity of stable and supportive policies to meet UK offshore wind targets, essential for maintaining investor confidence and preventing market and regulatory shocks.

Benefit for the UK economy

Moray West is part of Ocean Winds' extensive 6 GW portfolio of secured offshore wind farms in the UK. The project is expected to inject over 800 million pounds into the local Scottish economy over its lifespan and create more than 1,500 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) years of employment during construction. Additionally, it will support 70 long-term operational roles based in Buckie.

Furthermore, over half of the investment and operational costs of Moray West will benefit the UK economy, demonstrating Ocean Winds' dedication to local supply chains. The project also supports local education and training initiatives, including transitioning skilled workers from the oil and gas sector, apprenticeship and internship programs, and sponsoring PhD candidates in environmental studies. The growing operational team in Buckie, comprising technicians and trainee technicians, includes many with backgrounds in the oil and gas industry.