Located 27 kilometers off the Angus Coast in the North Sea’s Firth of Forth, Seagreen boasts 114 Vestas V164-10.0 MW wind turbines now actively contributing clean, renewable energy to the UK’s power grid. This achievement positions Seagreen as Scotland’s largest wind farm and the world’s deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm. Its most profound foundation plunges a record 58.7 meters below sea level.
Pioneering new horizons in green tech
Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of SSE Renewables, highlighted the project’s innovative approach: “The Seagreen project has pushed new boundaries through its use of innovative suction caisson technology. This has allowed our project team to set new records through the installation of the world’s deepest fixed-bottom foundations at the site.”
The Seagreen wind farm is not just a marvel of engineering but also a testament to Scotland’s commitment to a greener future. With its turbines fully operational, Seagreen can generate enough electricity to power almost 1.6 million homes annually. This capacity equates to two-thirds of all Scottish homes, a significant leap towards reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.
Celebrating a landmark for renewable energy
Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “This significant milestone for Seagreen is also significant for Scotland, taking us a step closer to creating a net-zero energy system that delivers affordable, secure, and clean energy.”
The economic implications of Seagreen are also noteworthy. Independent analyses by PwC have shown that the project has provided a GBP 1 billion-plus boost to the Scottish economy during its construction phase, supporting around 4,000 Scottish jobs.
The origins of the initiative
The Seagreen project’s journey began in 2010 when it was awarded exclusive development rights for the Firth of Forth Zone site by Crown Estate Scotland. The Scottish Government Ministers consented to its development in 2014, with construction commencing in June 2020. The first Vestas 10 MW turbine was installed in December 2021, and the first power was achieved in August 2022.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the project’s global significance: “This 1GW project is a new step in delivering our strategy of building a world-class, cost-competitive portfolio of renewable energy.”
As Seagreen begins its operational journey, it represents a shining example of Scotland’s renewable energy capabilities and a model for future offshore wind farm developments worldwide.
