Tuesday 17 October 2023
Scotland’s record-breaking Seagreen Wind Farm powers on
Scotland's largest offshore wind farm, Seagreen, has achieved full operational status, generating clean, renewable energy for the UK's power grid.
The milestone was announced by SSE Renewables, a subsidiary of SSE plc, and their partner TotalEnergies.
Seagreen, located 27 kilometres off the Angus coast in the North Sea's Firth of Forth, is not only the largest wind farm in Scotland but also the world's deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm, with foundations reaching a record depth of 58.7 metres below sea level.
With 114 Vestas turbines, the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm has a capacity to produce enough renewable electricity to power nearly 1.6 million homes annually, which is approximately two-thirds of all homes in Scotland.
UK Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: "Offshore wind is a resounding British success story and Seagreen becoming fully operational is yet more proof of our world-leading status.
"Not only has it become Scotland's largest offshore wind farm, but it also results in the UK having the world's five largest operational windfarms off its shores."
Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive of SSE plc said: "This is a big milestone for Seagreen and for Scotland. It shows that this country not only has world-class renewable resources but also world-class teams able to deliver major clean energy projects at scale."
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said: "This 1GW project is a new step in delivering our strategy of building a world-class, cost-competitive portfolio of renewable energy to deliver clean, reliable and affordable power to our customers."
Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director, SSE Renewables, said: "This is a landmark moment for offshore wind in Scotland and for the global offshore wind industry.
"The Seagreen project has pushed new boundaries through its use of innovative suction caisson technology which has allowed our project team to set new records through the installation of the world’s deepest fixed-bottom foundations at the site."
