The offshore substation and its 68-meter jacket foundation for the 1100MW Inch Cape offshore wind farm, located 21 kilometers off the Angus coast in the North Sea, Scotland, have been successfully installed. The Siemens Energy Offshore Transformer Module (OTM), a 2700-tonne platform, was lifted into place by Heerema Marine Contractors’ semi-submersible crane vessel, Sleipnir. This double OTM, Siemens Energy’s first of its kind, features two circuits with transformers and reactors in a compact modular design.

Fabrication and assembly of the OTM and jacket occurred over 18 months at the Smulders yard in Wallsend, Newcastle, involving 250 workers and approximately 80 UK subcontractors. John Hill, project director for Inch Cape, stated: “This has been an impressive team effort by Siemens Energy, Smulders, Heerema and the myriad smaller contractors who contributed to ensuring the safe and efficient fabrication and installation of these major Inch Cape components.”

Owned equally by ESB and Red Rock Renewables, the Inch Cape project is Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm currently under construction. Once operational, it will generate nearly 5 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, sufficient to power half of Scotland’s homes. The project supports the region’s renewable energy goals by delivering clean, sustainable electricity.

Onshore substation work at Cockenzie, East Lothian, is progressing significantly. The installation of the first of two export cables is planned for late summer, with initial power generation expected in late 2026 and full commercial operation targeted for 2027. The project’s advancement strengthens Scotland’s position in the renewable energy sector, contributing to sustainable energy production and regional energy security.