First Minister officially opens new wind farm generating jobs in Eyemouth
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, visited Eyemouth to mark the completion of the nation’s newest offshore wind farm.
Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) - Gaelic for "strength of the wind" - may be some distance away, located as it is off the Fife coast.
But it has already generated 50 jobs at its state-of-the-art operations and maintenance base in the Scottish Borders, providing spin-off benefits for local businesses.
The 54-turbine development, which is co-owned by EDF power solutions UK and Ireland and ESB, is now generating up to 450 megawatts of clean, green electricity - enough to power a city the size of Edinburgh.
Mr Swinney said: “Offshore wind is one of Scotland’s greatest modern success stories. Seeing NnG up close and hearing about the positive impact it will have on the local area for decades to come, including the creation of around 50 high quality jobs over the next 25 years, showcases the enormous benefits offshore wind will bring to communities across the country.
“Driving economic growth and tackling the climate emergency are two of my government’s priorities, and NnG is a shining example of how these priorities can work hand in hand to reshape Scotland’s future for the better.”
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Concerns had been raised over the impact the development could have on local marine life but developers say they've been heartened by the welcome they've received.
NnG Project Director, Matthias Haag, said: “Today is a really exciting day as we declare one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms fully completed.
"It’s also testament to the extraordinary skills, tenacity and commitment of our project team and business partners who have successfully navigated many complex technical challenges – often in tough Scottish weather and through a global pandemic – to build this infrastructure project that will power homes and businesses sustainably for decades to come.
"We chose Eyemouth mainly because of the location, being near to where the cable lands and the substation is in the Lammermuir Hills."
And he added: “We are proud to have made a significant impact on Scotland’s supply chain, working with local businesses such as Briggs Marine and Muir Construction Ltd. We will continue to play a vital role in supporting grassroots initiatives over the 25-year life span of the project through a community benefit fund launching later in the summer.”
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