TotalEnergies’ Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm, located in the North Sea off the coast of Angus, has set new records and is now powering approximately 1.6 million homes. The wind farm, a joint venture between TotalEnergies and SSE Renewables, is TotalEnergies’ largest operational offshore wind farm worldwide and is also the world’s deepest fixed bottom wind farm, with its foundation reaching almost 60 meters below sea level.
Construction of the project began in June 2020 and was completed in just three years, with a total investment of around $4 billion. The development and construction of the wind farm were led by SSE, with support from TotalEnergies, who will now operate the facility for its expected 25-year lifetime.
The Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm has a capacity of 1,075 MW and is capable of generating approximately 5 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable electricity annually. This is equivalent to powering nearly 1.6 million homes each year, which is two-thirds of all homes in Scotland. Additionally, the wind farm will prevent the emission of over 2 million tons of CO2 from fossil fuel electricity generation every year.
As part of TotalEnergies’ business model, the company will commercialize its share of production from Seagreen through a combination of long-term contracts at guaranteed prices. This includes a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD) awarded by the UK Government and a 15-year private CfD with the SSE Group. TotalEnergies will also engage in short-term sales on the wholesale market.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the project, stating, I am very pleased to see Seagreen generating at full power, making it TotalEnergies’ biggest offshore wind farm worldwide. This 1 GW project is a new step in delivering our strategy of building a world-class, cost-competitive portfolio of renewable energy to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to our customers.
The Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm has not only bolstered TotalEnergies’ expertise in offshore wind but also contributes significantly to Scotland’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045. First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, emphasized the project’s importance in driving Scotland’s renewable potential and transitioning to a net zero energy system. He stated, This significant milestone for Seagreen is also significant for Scotland, taking us a step closer to creating a net zero energy system that delivers affordable, secure, and clean energy.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive of SSE plc, highlighted the impact of the wind farm on energy security and clean energy generation. He commented, Seagreen’s ability to power up to 1.6 million homes will make a significant contribution to energy security and extend Scotland and the UK’s leadership in clean energy generation. Phillips-Davies also emphasized the need for more projects like Seagreen to fully maximize the potential of Scotland’s renewable resources.
The completion of the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm marks a major achievement in the renewable energy sector, demonstrating the successful collaboration between TotalEnergies, SSE Renewables, and the Scottish government. With its significant power generation capacity and contribution to reducing carbon emissions, the wind farm sets a new bar for offshore wind projects worldwide.
