Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm has signed an agreement with Vestas taking the project a step closer to being the first in the UK to install the manufacturer’s state-of-the-art 15 megawatt (MW) turbines.

The signing is for the supply, installation and commissioning of a total of 72 turbines together with a long-term comprehensive service and warranty agreement followed by a tailor-made operational support agreement. Each of the turbines will have 115 metre blades and a rotor diameter of 236 metres.

The 1080MW Inch Cape project is located in the North Sea, 15 kilometres from the Angus coast, and will connect into the UK national grid at the site of the former coal-fired power station at Cockenzie, East Lothian.

Inch Cape is already well underway with the construction of the onshore substation and the offshore platform at the Smulders yard in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear.  The development is far advanced with the project team working to reach financial close later this year, at which point Inch Cape will move into full construction.

Inch Cape Project Director, John Hill said: “We are delighted to be working with Vestas on deployment of these latest fully certified state-of-the-art turbines.

“When operational, these turbines will deliver more than 5TWh of renewable electricity each year, making a vital contribution to the UK’s energy security and emissions reduction targets.”

President of Vestas Northern & Central Europe, Nils de Baar said: “We are very pleased to have signed this conditional agreement for a pivotal project for Scotland’s offshore wind industry, and our team is genuinely excited to contribute to this milestone together with ESB and Red Rock Renewables.

“Inch Cape will have a significant impact on the UK’s sustainable energy future and we are proud to stand at the forefront of this transition. Our thanks go to our partners at ESB and Red Rock Renewables for their trust and excellent collaboration.”

Turbine installation is programmed to start in 2026 using one of Cadeler’s newbuild M-class wind turbine installation vessels.

Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm is owned by Inch Cape Offshore Limited, an equal joint venture between ESB and Red Rock Renewables.

Photo: The Vestas V236-15.0MW wind turbine in operation at the Østerild Wind Turbine Test Centre in Northern Jutland, Denmark.