The Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm is progressing, with construction underway and financial backing secured.
Inch: The Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm is set to be built 15km off the Angus coast. It will send power to an onshore substation at Cockenzie.
Seventy-two turbines will be installed. Two 85km cables will connect to the site at the old Cockenzie Power Station.
So far, Inch Cape has invested nearly £300 million. Over 300 UK companies are involved, including engineers and project managers.
Construction is already happening at Cockenzie. The offshore substation foundation and platform are almost done at Wallsend.
Offshore work is expected to start in the second quarter of 2025. This will include installing export cables and the offshore platform.
First power is anticipated by late next year, with full operations starting in 2027. Once running, it will generate 5TWh of energy annually.
Inch Cape received planning consent in 2014. The project has since updated its technology and design.
John Hill, the project director, expressed pride in reaching financial close. He noted this project is a major achievement in offshore wind technology.
He added that it’s the largest infrastructure project currently underway in Scotland, promising significant clean energy by 2027.
Financial terms have been finalized with 22 banks for the project’s funding, including transmission costs.
Paul Lennon from ESB highlighted the importance of this milestone. He emphasized the project’s role in achieving net-zero goals by 2040.
Lennon also mentioned that Inch Cape will help meet UK climate targets while creating local jobs.
