The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
First major award in Seagreen wind farm
Meet the buyer events will allow firms to gear up to bid for contracts on project off Angus coast
The Perth firm behind Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm has announced a Danish company as the £2 billion project’s first preferred supplier.
SSE Renewables has appointed MHI Vestas to lead on turbine supply and operational servicing for the project, which is located off the Angus coast.
Local businesses will have a chance to win major contracts of work, with Dundee one of three Scottish cities set to host a meet the buyer event for one of the largest construction projects undertaken in Scotland.
The events will enable businesses to prepare to bid for contracts, meet the Seagreen team, its principal contractors and understand the opportunities on offer.
John Hill, Seagreen project director at SSE Renewables, said: “Seagreen represents one of the most significant construction projects ever undertaken in Scotland and we want members of the Scottish supply chain to have the opportunity to work with us.
“We will be holding events across the country to promote opportunities for local companies to work with the project.
“Once completed, the project will inherit the crown of SSE Renewables’ other Scottish wind farm, Beatrice, and become Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm.
“We were very grateful to have been able to work with so many expert Scottish companies on Beatrice and we hope to replicate that local partnership success on Seagreen.”
The Seagreen wind farm is one of the most significant construction projects undertaken in Scotland and will see up to 114 turbines placed 27km off the Angus coastline.
It could contribute more than £2bn to the UK economy, of which £1bn could be in Scotland alone.
It will provide enough clean energy annually for around one million homes.
John Hill added: “We’re really pleased to welcome MHI Vestas to the Seagreen project as our preferred turbine supplier and look forward to working with them to harness the power of North Sea wind with their proven offshore turbine technology.
“As the project progresses towards a final investment decision, SSE Renewables and MHI Vestas will work together to continue to engage with the Scottish and UK supply chain to maximise Scottish and UK content.”
The meet the buyer events will take place on November 5, 6 and 7 in Inverness, Aberdeen and Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee respectively.
A range of opportunities include general support services, environmental, turbines, offshore substructures and foundations.
SSE Renewables and MHI Vestas will work together to engage with the Scottish and UK supply chain to maximise Scottish and UK content. JOHN HILL