First Subsea has been awarded a contract by DEME Offshore for the cable protection system for the inter-array cables at the Neart na Gaoithe offshore wind farm.The cable protection system will be designed to protect the cable during installation and during the operating lifespan of the wind farm, reducing cable fatigue at the point of entry into the wind turbine offshore structures. Engineering is in progress and offshore construction is due to start in June 2020, with full commissioning in 2023.
Neart na Gaoithe will consist of 54 turbines and will be located in the North Sea approximately, 15km off the coast of Fife in south-east Scotland. When fully operational, the NnG offshore wind farm will generate 450MW. The wind farm has been developed by EDF Renewables and Irish electricity company ESB, which now has a 50% stake in the project.