The offshore substation for the Inch Cape wind project is now operational in the North Sea, having been installed 21 kilometers off the Scottish coast of Angus. This step marks an essential step forward for the development of the wind farm. wind farm 1.1 GW wind farm, which on completion will supply clean energy to around half of Scotland’s homes.
An advanced offshore substation
The installed infrastructure is a compact OTM (Offshore Transformer Module) substation from Siemens Energy, mounted on a jacket foundation. jacket foundation of 68 meters. With an approximate weight of 2700 tons, the modular design significantly reduces the volume of material and facilitates transportation and installation in demanding offshore conditions .
This is the first time that a Siemens Energy double OTM has been installed, positioning it as a technological reference in energy efficiency and compact design.
International coordination and local support
More than 250 professionals were involved in the assembly and outfitting of the structure at the Smulders shipyard in Newcastle. The semi-submersible crane ship Sleipniroperated by Heerema Marine Contractorswas responsible for moving and installing the structure at its final location.
The process involved around 80 subcontractors from the United Kingdom, specializing in lifting, cladding, engineering and scaffolding.
A project that transforms the energy horizon
Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm, managed by Inch Cape Offshore Wind Limited, is a joint venture between ESB and Red Rock Renewables. The farm will will feature 72 wind turbines with heights of up to 274 metersconnected via submarine cables 220 kV submarine cables and an onshore substation in Cockenzie, East Lothian.
The next stage in the schedule will be the installation of the two export cables, scheduled for the end of the summer. Initial generation is expected to begin in 2026 and commercial operation is expected to start in 2027, integrating wind power directly into the national grid.
Commitment to the UK’s energy transition
Representatives from Siemens Energy, Smulders, Heerema and the companies involved have all agreed on the strategic importance of the project. Inch Cape not only strengthens the country’s renewable capacity, but also positions Scotland as a benchmark in advanced offshore wind engineering.
The operations and maintenance base will be located at the Port of Montrose, consolidating the long-term regional economic impact.
Source and photos: Inch Cape Offshore
