First power generated from Hunterston turbine test facility
Copyright: SSE
First power has been exported from the first three turbines at the offshore turbine test facility at Hunterston on the North Ayrshire coast.
The project is the UK’s first testing site for offshore turbines and features a 177-metre high 6MW wind turbine from Siemens.
SSE said the Hunterston site has “similar wind conditions to those found offshore as well as access to the grid” making it an ideal location for manufacturers to test their latest turbine equipment before deploying it offshore.
Energy Minister Greg Barker said: “SSE Renewable’s test site for offshore wind turbines is an exciting and innovative project. It will help the country take another step towards delivering £110 billion investment into our energy sector while helping to support local jobs.”
SSE said it is preparing the site ahead of the second turbine – a 7MW Mitsubishi model – which is expected to arrive in the next few months.
The project is supported by DECC, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Scottish Enterprise.
