SSE Renewables’ Seagreen site, located off Scotland’s Angus coast, has completed its first geotechnical seabed surveys for the project’s proposed second phase, which included examining conditions ahead of up to 36 new turbines being added to the 114 in operation. 

The project is a joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables and TotalEnergies, with its phase 2 known as Seagreen 1A. 

“We are pleased to confirm the completion of another geotechnical offshore survey at the Seagreen 1A site,” says Andrew Train, project director for Seagreen 1A. 

“This builds on existing site data and is another step forward in the project following the unanimous support from East Lothian Council in the approval of the onshore substation design last year. The geotechnical works, using industry best practices, will enhance and broaden our understanding of the seabed conditions across the full project site.  As always, we remain committed to continuing to build on community and supply chain links and relationships within the local and wider areas.” 

The vessel “Connector” carried out site investigation works that involved specialist cone penetrometer testing at nearly 100 locations using dynamic positioning technology.  

Proposals for the Seagreen 1A turbine foundations include using innovative and similar three-legged suction caisson technology, allowing the turbine foundation to fix securely to the seabed.   

Phase two of the geotechnical works is expected to commence later this year and will involve Vibrocore works along the proposed export cable route from the offshore site to the landfall at Cockenzie.