7MW Offshore Wind Turbine Nearing Completion in Fife, UK

 The operation to install the huge two-piece steel structure has been taking place over recent days 50m offshore from Methil’s Energy Park Fife.

Once fully assembled and operational, the three blade, 7MW prototype turbine will be the world’s largest and most powerful installed turbine, with the tip of its blades 196m above sea level and a nacelle height of 110m.

SHI hope the turbine, which will create enough energy to power 4,800 homes, will be operational by the end of this year. Following a testing period the company hopes to attract orders which will allow it to build a manufacturing facility at Energy Park Fife.

Youngjae Lee, deputy project manager with SHI, said: “The weather is a critical factor for this complex operation and we are delighted to have had the right conditions to proceed with the tower installation.

 “There has been a great deal of activity on-site in preparation for this and it is has been good to see the structure really starting to take shape. We are looking forward to continuing with this steady progress, completing the construction of the turbine and getting testing under way.”

Representatives from Fife Council and Scottish Enterprise were at Energy Park Fife today (Tuesday 8 October) to observe the progress of the operation.

Councillor David Graham, Vice Chair, Levenmouth Area Committee, Fife Council said: “I’m very impressed with the progress being made on this project.

 “It’s a great boost for the local area and as the largest and most powerful wind turbine in the world, it will focus a lot of attention on Fife Energy Park and the Levenmouth area. We have to make the most of this interest and do everything we can to show that Fife is one of the easiest places to do business.

“We hope that this wind turbine will attract a lot of orders for Samsung and they will seriously consider manufacturing at the Energy Park too. Fife Council will certainly do everything it can to support Samsung.”

 Maggie McGinlay, Director of Energy and Clean Technologies at Scottish Enterprise, said:

“The development of the SHI turbine in Fife is testament to Scotland’s growing reputation as a global centre of expertise for the next generation of offshore wind energy technologies.

 “This along with planned investment from other key players such as Areva and Gamesa is helping to create a potential manufacturing hub on the east coast, which would lead to significant opportunities for our supply chain companies.

 “Today marks a key milestone in this work, and we look forward to continuing to work with SHI to support its long terms ambitions for Scotland.”

The Crown Estate worked closely with Scottish Enterprise to ensure Samsung had certainty regarding access to the seabed and to provide specialist advice, support and guidance to help them become established in the UK market. The Crown Estate team will continue to work closely with SHI in coming months.

Ronnie Quinn, The Crown Estate’s Energy and Infrastructure Lead in Scotland, said: “This installation marks a big step forward for offshore wind technology development in Scotland, and we’re pleased to have been able to provide certainty and support to Samsung.

“Their long-term investment is a hugely important contribution to building the supply chain in Scotland and in driving growth of a world-class offshore wind industry.”

The structure is being constructed by GRAHAM Construction, the principal contractors on the project. In preparation for the current operation, large diameter seabed piles were installed, followed by the turbine’s steel jacket and transition piece.

Both the jacket and transition piece were fabricated in Glasgow and transported to the site on separate barges during a five-day sea journey around the tip of Scotland.

 Jonny Kerr, Project Manager at GRAHAM Construction said: “The installation of the tower sections at the end of last week see another significant milestone for the project. People can now see the structure taking shape offshore.

 “Despite challenging weather conditions, the works have gone to schedule with the jacket and transition piece having been successfully installed. The nacelle and blades are both on site awaiting erection.

 “The final stages of the construction will see the nacelle and rotor blades fitted ahead of a handover to the SHI team later this month.”

[mappress]

Press release, October 8, 2013; Image: scottish-enterprise