The Moray West offshore wind project, run by Ocean Winds, has marked a crucial milestone with the first export of electricity to the National Electricity Transmission System (NETS). Located in the Moray Firth in northern Scotland, this 882 MW wind farm is due to become fully operational in 2025.
Major advances in the construction of Moray West
Ocean Winds has succeeded in keeping to a rigorous schedule for the Moray West project, despite the challenges posed by the current international context. The work includes the installation of all foundations, offshore substations and network cables. Turbine components are pre-assembled in the port of Nigg, prior to offshore installation, and the first circuit of the onshore substation is already in service. The export cables are laid, providing the electrical connection between the wind turbines and the NETS at the Blackhillock substation.
Economic Contribution and Financial Outlook
Moray West, part of Ocean Winds’ 6 GW portfolio of secured offshore wind farms in the UK, is expected to inject over £800 million into the local Scottish economy and create over 1,500 full-time equivalent jobs during the construction phases. More than half of the capital and operating costs will benefit the UK economy, underlining Ocean Winds’ commitment to local supply chains.
Challenges and opportunities
Pete Geddes, Moray West Project Director, expressed his pride in the project team and supply chain partners, emphasizing the importance of a stable and supportive policy framework to achieve the UK government’s offshore wind targets. Policy stability and regulatory support are essential to maintain investor confidence and avoid market and regulatory shocks. The Moray West project also supports a number of local educational and training objectives, including the transition of skilled labour from the oil and gas sector to renewable energies. Moray West represents a major strategic investment in the UK’s offshore wind sector, offering prospects for growth and economic development for the region.
