The 450 MW Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm, located 15.5 kilometres off the coast of Fife, Scotland, has started generating power into the national grid.
When complete, the offshore wind farm will consist of 54 Siemens Gamesa 8 MW wind turbines generating up to 450 MW of renewable energy, enough to power 375,000 homes, according to the developers.
NnG, which is owned by EDF Renewables UK and ESB, is expected to offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
“We are delighted to celebrate this significant milestone for NnG and over the coming months we look forward to even more clean electricity being sent to the grid. NnG is a pivotal project in the EDF Renewables UK and Ireland portfolio as we accelerate towards a net zero future where clean energy powers our lives”, said Ryanne Burges , Director of Offshore and Ireland for EDF Renewables.
In preparation for the first power generation, several milestones have been achieved. All drilling activities are complete, and 54 foundation jackets , supplied by Saipem, have been installed.
Additionally, three substations – two offshore and one onshore at the Crystal Righ wind farm in the Lammermuir Hills – have been set up.
The loadout of turbine components and the installation of the first turbines was carried out using Fred. Olsen Windcarrier’s vessel Blue Tern from the Port of Dundee.
NnG is expected to be completed and fully commissioned by summer 2025. Over the coming months, all 54 wind turbines will be commissioned, said the developers.
“NnG is an important project for ESB and we welcome the much-anticipated export of first power from the project. We look forward to the wind farm becoming fully operational next year”, said Paul Lennon , Head of Offshore Wind and Hydrogen at ESB.
“It will continue to bring significant benefits to local communities across the east coast of Scotland through support for local projects and initiatives, the supply chain and through local jobs for local people.”
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