SEAGREEN WIND ENERGY: Seagreen Set to Power Majority of Scottish Homes

The largest offshore wind farm in Scotland is emerging from the sea off the coast of Angus in the UK North Sea. Deep, cold, unpredictable, and wild, these waters are not to be taken lightly. But the clean energy potential that can be harnessed from this remote area is vast. When complete, 1.6 million homes will benefit from the 114 Vestas turbines that will generate green power which will be transferred 27km to an onshore substation.

Joining others in Scottish waters, including Moray East and Moray West, and Neart na Gaoithe, Seagreen is another major step in Scotland’s energy transition, aiming for 50% of energy for heat, electricity, and transport to come from renewable energy by 2030.

Seagreen is a JV between energy giants TotalEnergies (51%) and SSE Renewables (49%) and is characteristically ambitious of these two powerhouse companies. When complete, it will boast the world’s deepest fixed foundation for an offshore windfarm. The turbines will produce 1075MW and will fuel two thirds of all Scottish homes. The result will be a displacement of two million tonnes of CO₂ that comes from fossil fuel burning electricity generation every year.

FULL COMMISSIONING

Full commissioning is expected in summer 2023 after first power came in August 2022. Right now, the onshore area at the Port of Montrose is a hive of activity and the offshore site remains busy as engineers work hard to get the project fully energised.

Project Director, John Hill explains the scale of undertakings, and the route power will take on its journey to consumers.

“Seagreen is currently the largest offshore wind farm in development and construction in Scotland,” he says. “At full production, it will produce five terra-watt hours (TWh) – just under 2% of UK energy production, so it is an enormous contribution to the UK’s electricity demand. 

“We are connecting the turbines via three circuits to a point 60km onshore, arriving at Carnoustie. We then have a route that is around 20km onshore up to Tealing substation in Angus.”

From here, power will join the grid – a challenging step, with grid congestion an important issue at this time. Thankfully, the substation has received significant upgrades thanks to Linxon and Kirby Engineering & Construction. The companies have overseen installation of the onshore primary and secondary HV power equipment including the super-grid transformers, switchgear, dynamic reactive compensation, shunt reactors, harmonic filters and protection and control systems.

“Our appointment to the Seagreen project is one which sees Kirby continue to build on its world-class reputation of being a trusted leader in the delivery of high voltage substation installation and commissioning services. Working closely with our client, Linxon, with our aligned values, efforts and goals, we will once again deliver best-in-class services for the end customer. With this essential piece of infrastructure, we will help build an offshore wind farm that will contribute to Scotland’s 2045 net-zero target,” said Daniel Greenan, UK & Ireland Business Development Manager, Kirby T&D.

Congestion has forced some projects to move to areas with weaker wind resources but with more grid availability. Of course, this is inefficient from an investment perspective. For Seagreen, the work at the substation has ensured long-term viability for the green power coming in from the North Sea by building a modern and efficient substation infrastructure to world-class standards.

NET ZERO ACCELERATION PLAN

Understanding the impact that the project will have on the local region, as well as the national economy (and acting as an example for other wind projects to follow around the world), shareholders in Seagreen are rightfully happy with progress.

“Seagreen is an important part of SSE’s £12.5bn Net Zero Acceleration Plan, through which we’re investing £7m a day in critical low-carbon infrastructure that will help the UK achieve energy independence. By the end of the decade, we have plans to invest over £24bn in Britain alone,” said SSE Chief Executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies.

“This is not only a significant step on the road to project completion but also shows how we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of technology to power change. Everyone involved in the project can be very proud of their contribution.

“Thanks to a strong and stable policy framework, the UK has established itself as the world leader on offshore wind and SSE Renewables is building more offshore wind than anyone on the planet. But we want to do more and now is the time to accelerate if we are to achieve the UK’s target of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030.”

Phillips-Davies and other stakeholders were delighted in April when the final jacket foundation was installed and then again in June when the 114^th turbine was installed, with 76 energised. This moment was a major step forward for Seagreen, which is now in the final stretch in terms of offshore construction.

“Reaching this major milestone is testament to the skill of our project team and all our contractors including those who are part of our Scottish and UK supply chain,” said John Hill.

“More than 50 people are involved each time a foundation installation takes place including the onshore team, ballast engineer, tug captain, crew, riggers, welders, tow master and pilot.

“Our ability to install jackets at this depth, in what is a challenging geographical area, boosts the UK’s energy security and means that consumers can benefit from the strong winds available far out in the North Sea,” he added, furthering that the hard work from all subcontractors had been remarkable, with teams from all over the world flocking to Scotland to take part.

“We will now continue with the commissioning of the final turbines and progress with the inter array cabling works. The project has already brought benefits to the local community, the UK supply chain and once fully operational in summer 2023, it will make a significant contribution to Scotland’s and the UK’s net zero targets.”

The community involvement has been something which sets Seagreen apart from other projects. Everything from apprenticeships for locals and planting trees and updating parks, to supporting STEM initiatives in local schools and investing in wildlife studies, the Seagreen development has made so much possible for communities in Angus and around each region that has been home to the project.

“It’s a tremendous legacy for the team and the people working on the project. To be one of the most innovative projects in offshore wind today, and to be at the forefront of delivering clean, renewable and cheap energy, is something we are very proud of,” Hill concludes.  

The next step for Seagreen involves finalising specs for 36 further turbines. Initially, the project was given the go-ahead for 150 turbines but 36 were held back to improve efficiency and performance. Permissions have been granted and the second phase of turbine rollout is imminent. Seagreen continues its short-term impact while building its lasting legacy. All from the harsh, rough, bitter UK North Sea.