Energy / All 103 turbines now installed at Viking Energy wind farm site
Video: SSE Renewables
THE VIKING Energy wind farm project is celebrating a significant milestone – the installation of its final turbine.
Yesterday evening (Thursday) technicians successfully completed the installation of the wind farm’s 103rd and final Vestas V117 4.3MW turbine in the northeast sector of the wind farm.
Turbine installation commenced in February 2023 and in just over six months the team has safely and successfully installed all 103.
The final turbine installation was completed well ahead of schedule, as the original installation programme had been due to complete in the autumn.
The project remains on track for completion in 2024, with commissioning works set to continue over the next year.
However, the changed landscape has attracted a decidedly mixed response from the community.
The wind farm will be capable of generating up to 1.8TWh of renewable electricity annually – which is said to be enough to power almost half a million typical British homes.
Developer SSE Renewables said reaching this milestone has seen the project battle some “very challenging weather conditions”, with the biggest issue being the wind.
SSE Renewables’ onshore renewables development and construction director Heather Donald said: “We’re reaching the point in the Viking Wind Farm project where we are celebrating key milestones which just shows the good progress we are making. The weather in Shetland has been challenging at times so achieving the installation of the final turbine ahead of schedule is testament to the hard work and commitment of those involved.
“Reaching this landmark milestone underlines our strategy to lead the transition to a net zero future through the world-class development, construction and operation of renewable power assets. Viking will be capable of producing enough energy to power the equivalent of almost half a million homes including every home in Shetland and is on course for completion in 2024.”
Anne Séméria, onshore construction director UK & Ireland for Vestas, said: “The team has worked hard over the past six months to ensure the turbines are built safely and to a high quality. It has been a real team effort to optimise our installation plans and take advantage of the good weather.
“We would like to thank everyone involved for their passion, commitment and high standards and we look forward to Viking Wind Farm being fully operational next year as it will play a crucial role in contributing towards achieving the UK and Scotland’s net zero targets.”
SSE Renewables also said the success of the Viking project to date would not have been possible without the support of Shetland contractors and suppliers, who have worked with principal contractor RJ Macleod and Vestas teams.
Around 400 jobs were involved in the constriction at its peak, and Vestas is now also awarding contracts and recruiting long-term local operations and maintenance teams, including apprentices.
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