Moray West Moray West selects Nexans for Onshore and Offshore Export Cables
9/12/21, 1:00 PM
Moray West, an 860MW offshore wind farm in the outer Moray Firth, in which Ocean Winds is the majority shareholder, has selected Nexans for the supply of the onshore and offshore export cables for the project. Subject to award of a Contract for Difference in 2022 and Financial Close, the wind farm will feature Nexans High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cabling. Project execution will be supported by the experienced personnel from the Nexans office in Edinburgh.
The wind turbines will connect to two offshore substation platforms (OSPs). Nexans 220kV cabling will be installed and buried from each OSP along the full route to the project specific onshore substation. The project substation will be built at Whitehillock, near Keith in Moray. Buried 400 kV cables will connect the project substation to the National Grid electricity transmission system at Blackhillock, Keith.
Nexans have a strong record on other local projects that have helped connect the rapidly growing renewable energy generation across the north of Scotland to the national electricity transmission system.
Project Director for Moray West, Adam Morrison said:
“The decision to select Nexans was made after an extensive procurement process. Nexans have a strong track record and we are delighted to work with them on the next Ocean Winds project, Moray West. Nexans will deliver more world class high voltage cable for Moray West to ensure the project can reliably export green electricity to consumers across the UK.
While Nexans have experience of utilising local contractors, the Moray West project team are working with Nexans to maximise the potential for the regional supply chain to secure sub-contracts, primarily supporting the onshore construction, including through Meet the Buyer events.”
Ragnhild Katteland, EVP Subsea & Land Systems of Nexans commented:
“Nexans are delighted to have secured this important, and our first, offshore windfarm project with Ocean Winds. This award re-confirms Nexans as a leading partner in the offshore renewable market and enables further support of our highly skilled onshore workforce based in Edinburgh working in close collaboration with local and nationwide contractors.
We look forward to supporting another critical Scottish offshore windfarm electrify the future towards the net zero goal by 2045.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Moray West – Project Status & History:
Moray Offshore Windfarm (West) Limited, known as Moray West, is a fully consented offshore wind project off the coast of Scotland. The project is expected to enter the next Contract for Difference (CfD) auction that the UK government has confirmed with be run in early 2022.
The development of Moray West follows on from the successful delivery of the adjacent Moray East offshore wind farm, which won a CfD in 2017 with a dramatic 50% cost reduction compared to CfD awards in 2015, and is currently in commissioning phase for 100 x 9.5MW wind turbines.
2. Project History:
2010 – Development of Zone 1 the Moray Firth commenced when development rights were won in the UK’s 3rd round of offshore wind licensing. The zone was split into two, to enable Moray East to be developed ahead of Moray West, as there were constraints in the west of the zone. Constraints in the west eased, and development of Moray West commenced in 2016.
2018-19 – Planning consents secured from Scottish Government, Moray Council and Aberdeenshire Council.
3. Project ownership:
The Moray West project is being developed by Ocean Winds. Ignitis Group has a minor shareholding.
Ocean Winds is the result of a 50-50 joint venture between EDP Renewables (EDPR) and ENGIE. Empowered by its clean and endless wind energy, Ocean Winds is one of the most important developers of offshore wind farms globally, with a presence in 8 countries, and several projects in operation, construction and development. In the United-Kingdom, it is also the majority shareholder of Moray East, Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm.
4. Project Statistics:
Size: Grid connection for 860MW with consent for up to 85 turbines. The exact number and model of turbines to be supplied by Siemens Gamesa remains to be determined.
Location: Moray Firth, Scotland, over 22km from the coastline
5. For further information please contact:
Roger McMichael, Stakeholder Manager M: 07717 367 150
E: roger.mcmichael@oceanwinds.com