Viking Wind Farm, which when operational will be the most productive onshore wind farm in the UK, has reached a major milestone following the successful installation of the project’s 52nd Vestas V117 wind turbines.

The 52nd turbine is located in the Northern sector of the wind farm. When complete, Viking’s 103 turbines will operate in the 4.3 MW power mode and generate up to 443MW of wind-powered electricity once fully operational.

Installation of turbine components got underway in February this year, with all the tower base sections (pre-installations) erected across site by mid-June. The completed tip height of each turbine is 155m.

Turbine components continue to be delivered from Lerwick Port under convoy operation and are expected to conclude later this month. All turbines are programmed for full erection in 2023, with Viking expected to be fully operational by the autumn of 2024.

Paul Nicolson, SSE Renewables’ Head of Onshore Renewables Development and Construction for UK & Ireland/ Gerry Hamill, Project Manager for SSE Renewables said:

“The installation of the 52nd turbine near Scar Quilse off the A970 is an exciting milestone for the project. The progress reflects our strategy to lead the transition to a net zero future through the world-class development, construction and operation of renewable power assets.

“Reaching this point in the project is testament to everyone involved in the installation process. By the end of this year, we expect all of Viking’s turbines to be in place and once operational, in 2024, it will be capable of producing enough energy to power the equivalent of almost half a million homes including every home in Shetland, playing a crucial role in contributing towards the UK and Scotland’s net zero targets.”

Robert Yeates, Lead Project Manager with Vestas, said:

“We are very pleased to have reached the halfway mark of the construction programme. This significant milestone has been achieved with the continued close collaboration with our partner SSE Renewables, RJM the principal contractor on the Viking Energy Wind Farm, and our subcontractors.”