**Breaking News: EDF Renewables Achieves First Power from Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Wind Farm**
In a significant step towards Scotland’s ambitious renewable energy goals, EDF Renewables UK has successfully generated the first power from the Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) offshore wind farm, located approximately 15.5 kilometers off the coast of Fife, eastern Scotland. This major milestone marks a crucial phase in the project’s development and underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating the transition to clean energy sources.
The Neart na Gaoithe project, which involves the deployment of 54 wind turbines, is poised to become one of Scotland’s largest and most efficient offshore wind farms. Upon full operationalization, it will have the capacity to generate up to 450 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to supply power to approximately 375,000 households annually. This substantial clean energy output is expected to significantly mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, with the project projected to offset over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
EDF Renewables UK secured the project through a competitive bidding process in May 2018. Since then, the company has been working tirelessly on the onshore and offshore construction phases. Notably, the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of the steel foundation jackets were completed by Saipem in October last year. Furthermore, three substations have been installed, comprising two offshore and one onshore at the Crystal Rig wind farm in the Lammermuir Hills.
The project has brought considerable economic benefits to the local area by engaging with a range of Scottish businesses and supporting various community initiatives across the east coast of Scotland. EDF Renewables UK expects the operations and maintenance base, currently employing 27 staff, to generate around 50 jobs over the 25-year lifespan of the wind farm.
Ryanne Burges, EDF Renewables’ offshore and Ireland director, hailed the achievement as a pivotal moment in the company’s portfolio towards a net-zero future. “NnG is a groundbreaking project in our efforts to transition to clean energy,” she stated. “It will continue to bring significant benefits to local communities through job creation, community support, and reduced carbon emissions.”
Aedan Smith, head of policy and advocacy at RSPB Scotland, acknowledged the importance of offshore wind developments in combating climate change while noting that Scotland’s seabirds face numerous threats. “While we support the need for renewable energy,