MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has been named as the turbine supplier for the Aberdeen Bay offshore wind farm off the coast of Scotland.

Project developers Vattenfall and the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) confirmed that the project, dubbed European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC), will feature 11 V164-8.0MW turbines.

Apart from MHI Vestas, J. Murphy & Sons has been named as preferred bidder to deliver the onshore substation and related cabling work.

Boskalis has been confirmed as the offshore balance of plant contractor.

A final investment decision at the project is due to be taken later this year, while commercial operation is expected to start in 2018.

The Aberdeen offshore wind farm will be located at about 3km off the coast in North sea near Aberdeen Bay in Grampion, Scotland.

Originally, the wind farm was supposed to have 33 wind turbines, but due to maritime safety, maritime environment and helicopter issues, the number of turbines have been reduced to 11.

The estimated cost of the project is around £230m and when completed it can supply enough electricity to light up about 60,000 Scottish homes and eliminate about 120,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Vattenfall EOWDC project director Adam Ezzamel said: “We are pleased to name the preferred tier one suppliers, all of which are leaders in their field. Their support delivers the project partners’ commitment to accelerating the development of wind energy and cost reduction through innovation and collaboration.

“Part of this vision for the EOWDC includes installing game-changing suction bucket jacket foundations. The first stage of the procurement process opens up the wider business opportunities that the EOWDC offers with the project partners aiming to maximise project supply chain content in the Aberdeen area, Scotland and the wider UK.”

AREG chairman and Aberdeen City Councillor Jean Morrison said: “The EOWDC is a crucial project for the region and for Scotland.

“Aberdeen is a world-class hub of innovation and this will place our region at the heart of the development of new technologies and contribute to improving the competitiveness of the offshore wind sector.

“It will add to our existing energy capability including the skills and infrastructure required to build a 21st Century energy industry.”

Image: Vattenfall and Aberdeen select key suppliers for Aberdeen offshore wind farm. Photo: Courtesy of Vestas Wind Systems A/S.