Trump-opposed offshore wind farm connected to grid
The 11-turbine scheme in Aberdeen Bay is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 78,000 homes.
An offshore wind farm which will have the world’s most powerful turbines has been connected to the National Grid.
The Vattenfall European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) in Aberdeen Bay is expected to produce enough energy to power 78,529 homes once complete.
The connection project started early last year and involved laying more than four miles of high voltage underground cable between Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) upgraded substation in Dyce on the outskirts of Aberdeen and the wind farm’s onshore substation at Blackdog on the coast.
More than seven miles of overhead line between Dyce and Kintore was replaced.
It is expected to produce electricity by summer and once fully operational is predicted to generate the equivalent of 70% of Aberdeen’s domestic electricity demand.
Adam Ezzamel, EOWDC project director at Vattenfall, said: “This is another important step forward in the project’s construction and follows the successful installation of the first game-changing suction bucket jacket foundation.
“This connection enables the EOWDC to power almost 80,000 homes.”
SSEN lead project manager, Paul Higginbotham, said: “I am very proud that our team have provided a connection to the EOWDC in such a short period and it is testament to the support and understanding of the local community.”
Gina Hanrahan, acting head of policy at WWF Scotland, said: “It’s great news that the Aberdeen Bay wind farm is now connected to the National Grid.
“Offshore wind, which has halved in cost in recent years, is critical in the fight against climate change, helping to reduce emissions, keep the lights on and create thousands of jobs across Scotland and the UK.”
