Global Energy Group and Siemens have signed a contract for the use of Nigg Energy Park fabrication yard on the Cromarty Firth during the construction of the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm.
This multi million pound contract award is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2018 with every likelihood of retaining and creating in excess of 100 direct and indirect jobs, along with related supply chain opportunities, Global Energy Group said.
”A lot of work has gone in by many people to take this work to Nigg and I do see this project, along with our ongoing work with Atlantis Resources on the wave and tidal turbines, and the suction anchors for Statoil’s Hywind project as being a major step in showing everyone that Nigg Energy Park and the Port of Nigg is a world class facility. It has the dry dock, deepwater quayside and berthing areas, along with the marine support capability and facilities to support our client’s requirements at many different levels,” Global Energy Group Chairman Roy MacGregor said.
Siemens signed a contract to supply, install and commission 84 7MW wind turbines for the Beatrice project, located around 14 kilometers off the Scottish coast, in May.
The scope of Siemens’ contract also includes the provision of a grid access solution for the wind farm. The works on Beatrice’s offshore grid connection to the mainland will be carried out in consortium with Nexans who will supply the connecting export cables. Siemens will deliver the onshore and offshore substations consisting of two offshore transformer modules (OTM).
Ray Thompson, Head of Business Development, Siemens Wind Power UK , said: “Siemens is delighted to be able to sign this agreement today for the use of the Nigg facility. As the offshore wind industry faces continuing pressure to reduce costs to consumers, access to the right facilities is critical to the safe and efficient delivery of large projects, such as Beatrice. We are working hard to support the project to maximize the opportunities for local companies within the supply chain; today’s announcement is a further example of this commitment.”
The turbine manufacturer plans to produce the corresponding wind turbine blades for Beatrice at its Hull facility. Installation of the wind turbines is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2018.
”This contract arising from installation of the Beatrice Offshore Wind farm will provide a very welcome boost to the local economy in Ross-shire and the wider Highland Council area,” Scotland’s Business, Innovation and Energy Minister, Paul Wheelhouse , who witnessed the signing of the contract at Nigg Energy Park, said.
“The contract, furthermore, is an important milestone for the Port of Nigg, which has received more than £45 million in investment since 2011 and is now well on its way to being recognised as one of Scotland’s key energy ports.”