The Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm will be located 15.5 km off the Fife coast and covers an area of approximately 105 km2. EDF Renewables UK acquired the project in May 2018 as part of a competitive bidding process.
The project has the potential to generate 450MW of renewable energy, which is enough power to supply around 375,000 Scottish homes – more than the whole of Edinburgh and will offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
The NnG site was chosen because it combines technical, economic and environmental deliverability. Some of the criteria that formed part of the site selection process included; water depth, ground condition, expected energy yield, access to port facilities and more.
NnG is one of two Scottish offshore wind farms to have won a Contract for Difference (CfD). It gives the wind farm an inflation-linked strike price for the electricity it produces for a period of 15 years. This revenue stream makes the project financeable and will enable it to reach financial close. A map of the proposed project is shown below:
Project facts
- Neart na Gaoithe means ‘Strength of the Wind’.
- Comprises 54 x Siemens SWT-6.0-154 turbines with a rotor diameter of 154m.
- The project has the potential to generate 450MW of renewable energy.
- When fully operational, it will generate enough electricity to power over 375,000 households.
- NnG represents an investment of £2 billion in Scotland’s energy infrastructure.
- It will offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
- Onshore grid connection is at Crystal Rig onshore wind farm near Dunbar, East Lothian.
- Distance of approximately 1 km between each turbine.
- The closest turbine will be a minimum of 15.5 km from the shore.
- The NnG site will be approximately 105 km2.
- It is expected to be commissioned in 2023
NnG Onshore Transmission Works
- •Onshore Transmission Works for Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) Offshore Wind Farm
- •Joint venture between EDF Renewables and ESB
- •Located 15.5 km from Fife coast, 30km from Torness in Firth of Forth
- •Will produce up to 450 MW from 54 turbines providing power for around 375,000 homes
- •Will offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year
- •Planned operational life of 25 years, decommissioning or repowering possible thereafter
- •Operations and maintenance base in Eyemouth creating around 50 permanent jobs
- •Export cable landfall at Thorntonloch Beach, 12.5 km buried cable route to substation at Crystal Rig (Lammermuir Hills)
- •Planning permission for onshore works granted in June 2013
- •Onshore construction commenced 2020 by GE and Prysmian, expected completion late 2023
- •Offshore construction commenced 2020, turbines expected to be installed summer 2023
Project Access Route (substation works)
- Standard working hours 07.00 – 19.00, 7 days
- Quiet overnight works where necessary
- HGV movements limited to 07.00 – 19.00
- Park and ride system and material delivery hub at Ark (Dunbar)
- 20mph HGV speed limit from A1
- Permanent and temporary passing places and junction widening
- Regular road sweeping and litter picks
- Temporary road repairs in conjunction with ELC
- Demobilisation and reinstatement from May 2023 – increase in HGV movements
- Liaising with ELC Roads Dept on scope of permanent repairs following completion of construction works
Contact:
| Neart na Gaoithe windfarm | NnG | info@nngoffshorewind.com |