Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm is now fully operational, generating enough renewable energy to power almost 1.6 million homes a year. 

SSE Renewables and its partner TotalEnergies have announced all 114 Vestas V164-10.0 MW turbines at the 1.1GW Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm off the coast of Scotland are now fully operational and are generating clean, renewable energy to Britain’s power grid.

Situated 27km off the Angus coast in the North Sea’s Firth of Forth, Seagreen is now Scotland’s largest wind farm as well as the world’s deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm, with its deepest foundation installed at a record 58.7 metres below sea level.

Seagreen is operated from a dedicated onshore operations and maintenance base at Montrose Port.

The 1,075MW project has the capacity to generate enough renewable electricity to power almost 1.6 million homes annually, equivalent to two-thirds of all Scottish homes. 

Seagreen also has the capability to displace more than two million tonnes of carbon dioxide from electricity generated by fossil fuels every year – making a significant contribution to Scotland’s net zero ambition by 2045.

Seagreen is a joint venture between TotalEnergies (51%) and SSE Renewables (49%) and was one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in Scotland. 

Delivery of the project supported a £1bn-plus economic boost to the Scottish economy during construction, supporting around 4,000 Scottish jobs, according to independent analysis published by PwC.

Alistair Phillips-Davies, chief executive of SSE, said: “This is a big milestone for Seagreen and for Scotland. 

“It shows that this country not only has world-class renewable resources but also world-class teams able to deliver major clean energy projects at scale. 

“Seagreen’s ability to power up to 1.6 million homes will make a significant contribution to energy security and extend Scotland and the UK’s leadership in clean energy generation.

“But if we are to fully realise this country’s potential we need many more Seagreens and we look forward to working with governments, partners, investors and local communities to bring more landmark projects like this forward in the future.”

Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s First Minister, added: “The Seagreen offshore windfarm is a fantastic example of the work being done to unleash Scotland’s renewable potential, as we seek to lead the world in the transition to net zero.

“This significant milestone for Seagreen is also significant for Scotland, taking us a step closer to creating a net zero energy system that delivers affordable, secure and clean energy.”

Seagreen was first awarded exclusive development rights for the Firth of Forth Zone site by Crown Estate Scotland in 2010. 

The project was consented for development by Scottish Government Ministers in 2014 ahead of construction beginning in June 2020.

The first Vestas 10 MW turbine was installed in December 2021, with first power achieved in August 2022 ahead of the installation of the final turbine at the site earlier this summer. 

Now completed, power from Seagreen’s 114 turbines is being exported from the North Sea site via three subsea cables to landfall at Carnoustie, and then through 19km of underground cabling to a new onshore substation at Tealing near Dundee, before being distributed to homes and businesses via the GB power grid.

SSE Renewables led the development and construction of the Seagreen project, supported by TotalEnergies. Going forward, SSE Renewables will operate the offshore wind farm with support from TotalEnergies.