The world’s largest and most powerful offshore wind turbine has been
unveiled in Fife.
The Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) prototype offshore turbine stands at
Energy Park and is due to become operational later this year. The nacelle,
which contains all generating components for the turbine, was installed on
Friday, October 11, and that was followed by the attachment of the three
massive blades.
The structure, which is SHI’s first European offshore wind project, is
situated 50 metres offshore in the Firth of Forth and the tip of its blades
stretch 196 metres above the sea.
The Korean company has invested £70million in the Fife wind turbine
demonstrator scheme, which has the potential to create up to 500 jobs in
Scotland.
The project has the backing of First Minister Alex Salmond, whose SNP
Government is calling for all Scotland’s electricity to come from
renewables by 2020.
The turbine will deliver enough electricity to power 4,800 homes.
Councillor Tom Adams, chair of the Levenmouth Area Committee, who worked
closely with SHI on the project, said: “I was delighted to be able to visit
the site on Thursday with other members of the Levenmouth Area Committee
and was impressed by the excellent progress being made, so it’s fantastic
to hear the construction is now complete.
“This is a vitally important project for the local area as this mast is a
visual example of the regeneration of the Levenmouth Area.”
SHI said that, following a successful testing period, it will work to
attract orders for its turbines. This would allow it to build a world-class
manufacturing facility at Energy Park Fife.
SHI has been manufacturing wind turbines for four years and already has
turbines installed in Korea, the US and Canada.
It chose to base its European operation at Energy Park Fife because of the
area’s growing energy cluster and the huge opportunities this presents for
supply chain companies, particularly those involved in the offshore wind
sector.
The structure was installed by GRAHAM Construction, the principal
contractor on the project.
Leo Martin, executive director, GRAHAM Construction, said “This is a very
important project for GRAHAM, one which was both interesting and rewarding.
“The project was technically challenging and GRAHAM has risen to meet these
challenges and has delivered a high quality product on time and within
budget. This project cements the relationships we have forged with Samsung
Heavy Industries, Fife Council and Scottish Enterprise as well as our
supply chain partners and allows GRAHAM to continue to be an active
participant and leader in the renewables and marine sector.”
SHI worked very closely with both Fife Council and Scottish Enterprise as
it developed the project, which could help put the area firmly on the map
as a major European hub for renewable technology.
Maggie McGinlay director of energy and clean technologies at Scottish
Enterprise, said: “The development of the SHI turbine in Fife is testament
to Scotland’s growing reputation as a global centre of expertise for the
next generation of offshore wind energy technologies.
“This, along with planned investment from other key players such as Areva
and Gamesa, is helping to create a potential manufacturing hub on the east
coast, which would lead to significant opportunities for our supply chain
companies.
“We look forward to continuing to work with SHI to support its long-terms
ambitions for Scotland.”
The Crown Estate also worked closely with Scottish Enterprise to ensure
Samsung had certainty regarding access to the seabed and to provide
specialist advice, support and guidance to help it become established in
the UK market.
Ronnie Quinn, The Crown Estate’s Energy and Infrastructure Lead in
Scotland, said: “This marks a big step forward for offshore wind technology
development, and we’re pleased to be providing ongoing support to Samsung.
“This long-term investment is a hugely important contribution to building
the supply chain in Scotland and in driving growth of a world-class
offshore wind industry.”
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