SSE Renewables has exported power from its offshore wind turbine test facility at Hunterston on the North Ayrshire coast for the first time.
Hunterston is the UK’s first onshore test site for offshore turbines. The current features turbine under test is a 6MW Siemens 154 direct drive machine, some 177 metres high. The scheme is being supported by Scottish Enterprise, and the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change.
SSE project construction manager Ian Flannagan said:
“It’s great to see the Siemens wind turbine generating electricity for the first time, which is testament to the hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved in the project. We are busy preparing the site ahead of the second turbine, a Mitsubishi SeaAngel 7MW offshore wind model, arriving in a few months.”
Over to Siemens Wind Power managing director for offshore in the UK Clark MacFarlane: He said
“We are delighted with the news of first power for our 6MW turbine at Hunterston. This is another important milestone for our next generation wind turbine technology.”
The Hunterston site has similar wind conditions to those found offshore, access to the grid and an adjacent jetty for component deliveries. It’s a purpose-built cutting edge test facility that keeps the UK in the forefront of wind energy development. Work is already under way for a second berth to prepare the foundation for a Mitsubishi turbine, which is expected to arrive for assembly and commissioning in the summer. It will be 7MW. It doesn’t end there- the third berth will be operated by Scottish Enterprise and leased to a turbine manufacturer with firm plans to invest in the Scottish offshore wind.
UK Energy Minister Greg Barker (pictured above) said:
“SSE Renewable’s test site for offshore wind turbines is an exciting and innovative project that will help the country take another step towards delivering £110bn investment into our energy sector while helping to support local jobs.”
North Ayrshire Member of Parliament, Katy Clark, visited the SSE wind turbine testing facility earlier because local residents had voiced concerns about the site. She said:
“There has been concern about the proximity of the turbines to residential areas, the size of the turbines and that this may result in noise being heard or vibrations being felt by local residents. Therefore, I wanted to see the testing facility for myself.”
However, given the importance of the project, and the fact that the turbines are not operating 24/7 (even if there were noise nuisance) we anticipate that locals will be won over.
