Ocean Winds proudly announced the successful loading of the first Offshore Transformer Module® (OTM), a crucial substation platform, destined for the Moray West offshore wind farm. The event, held at the Newcastle yard, marked a significant stride in the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
The massive substation platform is now comfortably docked at the quay, with plans to set sail at the end of October. The team is actively preparing for the next milestone – the loading of the second OTM in mid to end October, with its departure scheduled a few weeks thereafter.
Notably, the Moray West platforms hold a distinctive honor as the first of their kind to be constructed in Britain in several years. This achievement underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing its renewable energy infrastructure.
Ocean Winds, in collaboration with Siemens Energy, stands as a driving force behind this monumental project. The partnership merges the strengths of two global giants, EDP Renewables and ENGIE, forming the Joint Venture that has already demonstrated success with the Moray East project, one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farms.
Ocean Winds has been a trailblazer in cost reduction through innovative practices, exemplified by the record-low Contract for Difference (CfD) award in 2017 for Moray East at £57.50/MWh. As Moray West progresses through its construction phase after achieving Financial Close in April 2023, it anticipates the delivery of the first power in 2024, aiming for full operational status by 2025.
However, challenges remain, with higher transmission charges for northern projects requiring reform. This is critical to ensuring the economic continuity of projects like Moray West, aligning with the national agenda of ‘levelling up’ and facilitating post-Covid recovery.
The journey of the Moray West wind farm stands as a testament to the resilience of the renewable energy sector and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for the UK.
