Scottish Secretary, Ian Murray, has officially launched Ocean Winds’ Moray West offshore wind farm, which is capable of powering half of Scotland’s homes. 4j2f24

According to government information, the wind farm, located 21 kilometers off the coast of Buckie, is one of the largest offshore wind projects in Scotland. It will generate up to 882 MW, enough to supply electricity to 1.3 million homes, which represents half of all Scottish households.

Once it reaches full capacity, Ocean Winds will become the largest offshore wind energy operator in Scotland, with two wind farms off the northeast coast and a third currently in development.

Ian Murray stated: “It was a hugely significant moment today as I powered up the Moray West wind farm to full capacity. Investments like the one made by Ocean Winds are absolutely vital to ensure that Scotland and its workforce benefit from the skilled jobs and economic growth that clean energy can deliver.”

Moray West brings the UK Government a step closer to achieving its offshore wind targets of 43 to 50 GW by 2030, as outlined in the Clean Energy Action Plan, ing its mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.

During his visit to Ocean Winds, Mr. Murray met with staff who have transitioned to renewable energy careers after previously working in the oil and gas industry or the UK armed forces.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commented: “Offshore wind is the backbone of our clean energy plans for 2030, as the UK is fortunate to have thousands of miles of coastline.”

Sarens PSG played a key role in the construction of the Moray West wind farm, handling 62 giant monopiles — the foundations for the wind turbines. Measuring 10 metres in diameter and 84 metres in length, and weighing 2,000 tonnes, these are the largest and heaviest monopiles ever handled in the UK.

Mr. Murray also visited Sarens PSG’s new £1.6 million wind workforce training facility in Aberdeen. The company recently opened the centre and stated that the decision to headquarter Great British Energy in Aberdeen made the city the ideal location for such a facility.