THE first set of turbines have been installed at the £580 million Viking Wind Farm in Shetland.
Due for completion in 2024, the wind farm is a joint project between SSE Renewables, Shetland Island Council, and Vestas, with RJ McLeod being the main contractor. It will be the largest onshore UK wind farm and have the capability of powering the equivalent of 500,000 homes.
A total of 103 turbines will be erected at the site in total, with the first turbine completed located at South Midfield in the far southwest of the site. This was closely followed by the second completed turbine at Riven Hill, and a third near Scar Quilse in the north of the site.
Installation of turbine components first got underway in February with over 27 of the tower base sections (pre-installations) erected across site, in addition to the completed turbines. The completed tip height of the turbine is 155m, which includes the consented hub height of 96.5m and blades at 57m in length.
Turbine components are being delivered from Lerwick Port under convoy operation which is expected to continue until July, SSE Renewables said – with all turbines programmed for full erection in 2023. Viking is expected to be fully operational by the autumn of 2024.
Heather Donald, SSE Renewables’ onshore renewables development and construction director, 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, added, “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.”
