Energy / First turbines installed at Viking Energy wind farm site
BLADES are now being installed on the Viking Energy wind farm turbines currently under construction in Shetland’s Central Mainland.
Developer SSE Renewables said the first turbine which has been completed is located at South Midfield, west of Kergord, in the far southwest of the Viking site.
This has been followed by the completion of a second turbine at Riven Hill, in North Nesting, near Laxo. A third turbine located near Scar Quilse in the North Nesting section of the site will follow shortly.
Once the blades are fitted the height from the bottom of each turbine to the tip of the blade will reach up to 155 metres.
A total of 103 turbines are being installed, with the wind farm due to go live in 2024.
SSE Renewables’ onshore renewables development and construction director Heather Donald said: “The installation of the first turbines at Viking Wind Farm, is not only an exciting step forward in the project, but by reaching this milestone, it underlines our strategy to lead the transition to a net zero future through the world-class development, construction and operation of renewable power assets.
“Seeing the first turbines erected is a testament to everyone involved in the installation process. By the end of this year, we expect all of Viking’s turbines to be in place and once operational, in 2024, it will be capable of producing enough energy to power the equivalent of almost half a million homes including every home in Shetland, playing a crucial role in contributing towards the UK and Scotland’s net zero targets.”
Robert Yeates, lead project manager with Vestas, said: “Even with the severe winter weather that delayed our works, we are extremely happy that the overall programme has been kept on schedule and that the first full turbines are now successfully installed.
“This significant milestone has been achieved with the close collaboration with our partner SSE, RJM the Principal Contractor on the Viking Energy Wind Farm, and our subcontractors.”
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