THE next phase of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm substation project is to get under way, as civil engineering contractor Careys is due to start work at the brownfield site once home to Cockenzie Power Station.

Contracted by Siemens Energy, Careys will be responsible for the construction of the site infrastructure and the onshore substation, including its associated buildings, in readiness for the arrival of the electrical equipment, including transformers and cables to transport the green energy generated by the planned offshore wind farm.

Initial groundworks were completed at the site in December, and this upcoming phase of work will see the creation of further drainage at the site, laying of concrete bases, construction of internal roads and bunds, landscaping, and the erection of steel-framed buildings.

Residents along the construction traffic route will receive direct communication from the project on the construction programme and timings of key pieces of work, particularly any activity likely to include an increase in construction traffic or delivery of large loads and equipment.

Regular aerial drone surveys will be undertaken by local company Innovair to monitor progress of the construction activity.

Inch Cape will comprise up to 72 turbines located 15km off the Angus coast and the power it generates will enter the national transmission system at Cockenzie.

Once complete, it will be one of Scotland’s largest offshore wind farms, generating enough green energy to power the equivalent of half the homes in Scotland.