Moray East offshore wind farm
Outer Moray Firth, off the coast of Scotland, UK · 2019–2022 (fully operational April 2022) · £2.8 billion (estimated)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchMoray East achieved full output in April 2022, demonstrating efficient project delivery. - The project secured a Contract for Difference (CfD) at a record low price of £57.50/MWh in 2018, significantly driving down the cost of offshore wind energy. - Pioneered fixed turbines in deeper waters, pushing the boundaries of offshore wind technology.
Key engineering challenges
Installation of 100 large 9.5 MW turbines in the challenging North Sea environment. - Achieving a significant reduction in the cost of energy from offshore wind, setting a new record low CfD price. - Managing the logistics and coordination for a project of this scale.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Ocean Winds (EDPR and Engie joint venture)
- Lead contractor
- N/A (multiple contractors, e.g., Vestas for turbines)
- Lead designers
- N/A
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 950 MW capacity; 100 Vestas V164-9.5 MW turbines
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; marine; geotechnical
- Standards & frameworks
- N/A
Sources: Moray East Offshore Wind Farm: https://www.morayeast.com/ - Ocean Winds: https://www.oceanwinds.com/projects/moray-east/ - Tethys - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: https://tethys.pnnl.gov/wind-project-sites/moray-east