Wind farm base powers massive jobs boost for Buckie
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AN historic boost to the economy of Buckie was unveiled as construction work got under way on a new wind farm operations base.
Being constructed on the site of the former harbour office the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility will initially service the Moray West Offshore Wind Farm, developed by Ocean Winds, creating 60 long-term high skilled jobs in the process. The new 2000m2 base will feature cutting-edge technology, including a fully equipped workshop and warehouse, as well as office and training facilities.
It is expected that the base will be completed in a year's time.
Doing the honours in breaking the first ground today (Tuesday) was Minister for Energy Gillian Martin MSP.
She spoke of the importance of the development, not just to the economy of Buckie and Moray, but its role in propelling Scotland as a whole towards the goal of net zero. Describing the construction of the O&M base as an "exciting moment", Ms Martin went on to state that the Moray West Wind Farm project "exemplified" what Scotland can achieve in terms of building an offshore wind industry.
She went on to praise the contribution the wind farm would make to the Scottish Government's draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, which calls for 20GW of on and offshore electricity generation on the road to becoming a net zero economy by 2045.
However, she went on to stress that for Just Transition to be fair and equitable to communities such as Buckie, which is currently heavily involved with the oil and gas sector, it had to bring tangible benefits now and in the future. The 60 jobs in the pipeline for Buckie was, she said, "significant".
Speaking to The Banffshire Advertiser, the theme of sustainable jobs was one the Minister for Energy reiterated.
She said: "I was talking to some of the chaps on site here earlier and they had all worked in oil and gas at some point before moving into renewables – that's Just Transition in action.
"You're seeing people who have gone from the more traditional industries in this area, including the military and oil and gas sector, who have the transferable skills moving into the future of energy and that's something we have to build out on.
"It's not just a case of just 60 jobs coming to Buckie, it's 60 well-paying, professional, highly skilled jobs and this effectively just the start. This is one of many projects and it's great to see somewhere like Buckie benefit from it.
"Buckie's not just going to benefit in terms of those 60 jobs it's going to benefit in terms of the local economy and refurbishment that's been done at the harbour to facilitate this project. This is a significant investment."
She went on to say that the benefits would also be felt across Moray in a variety of industries, including the hospitality sector.
Ms Martin stressed that the jobs boost would not just be for this generation of workers but for those who had yet to enter the labour market.
She continued: "Ocean Winds are going to be going into local schools and talking about the range of jobs which are available, not just on this project but projects like this.
"I think when you're at school you just don't realise what's out there and for the kids who are currently in Buckie High the future is right in front of them on their own doorsteps. It's good to have companies like this actively engaged in speaking to those pupils about what kind of skills we're going to need for the next 30 years and giving them a steer about the kind of things they might like to do after school.
"I'd imagine a lot of apprenticeships will be in the offing."
She added that the opportunities provided by the wind farm would play a part in helping young people and their skills stay in the local area.
Moray West's project director Adam Morrison said Ocean Winds was "very proud" to be breaking ground on the Buckie O&M base.
He commented: "It's a long game developing these projects – [sister project] Moray East took around 10 years from being awarded to being in operation and it'll be a similar timeframe to bring Moray West into operation.
"Although a lot of attention goes on the offshore wind farm part but one of the things we're most proud of is what these projects deliver onshore. We'll have a hub operating across Buckie and Fraserburgh that will provide decades-worth of opportunities and will stimulate a lot of wider activity in local activities.
"It's the regeneration we can deliver in ports and then the local services you can leverage that we're most proud of.
"Moray West has been a hard battle to get over the line in the current market but we're really excited to be taking it to construction, it's been a rollercoaster."
Jamie Dempster, O&M manager for Moray West, said: "In a year's time from now we will actually have the operations base on this site.
"It's going to be a massive, massive transition for Buckie in terms of jobs and in what we're doing in terms of operations here.
Project director for Moray West Pete Geddes added: “Thanks to the efforts of our team and wider stakeholders, including particularly Moray Council, we are strategically extending the Ocean Winds footprint on the Moray Firth coast by developing this O&M base from where we will service our offshore wind farms, creating 60 long-term high skill jobs in Buckie.”
The construction of the base was welcomed by local councillors Sonya Warren, Neil McLennan and John Stuart.
She said: "It is great to see Ocean Winds progressing at good speed.
"The difference in the harbour is becoming very noticeable now. The start of the building of the new offices marks an important milestone for the project, the harbour and the town. The development of the wind farm project as well as the regeneration of the harbour is starting to be clear to everyone.
"There's been many years of hard work been done to reach this milestone. It's really exciting to see the development take shape. It's an exciting future for both Ocean Winds and Buckie Harbour."
Councillor McLennan said the new base would have a "vital" role to play in the community of Buckie and the surrounding area.
He continued: "As the wind farm base was opened, I was up in Buckie town centre visiting dedicated volunteers at the Hub and also speaking with police, NHS and third sector staff as they supported the local area.
"Buckie is a great place to do business, to live and to visit. I hope this new venture will bring jobs, enhance skills and support both the local economy and community flourishing. Buckie has so much going for it but also, like any community, has issues that need addressed to make people's lives better.
"I hope new business will work hand-in-hand with stakeholders not only to deliver a Just Transition for Scotland but also supporting communities in enhancing a just and fair society. Making our economy both environmentally sustainable and socially just and fair are vital pieces of work."
Councillor Stuart spoke of the opportunities the base and wind farm presented to the area.
"It was great to hear how progress continues with Ocean Winds here at Buckie Harbour.
"Ocean Winds and all that it brings, will mean opportunities for employment and growth in our town. We know we have many talented folks living near by who could apply for employment as opportunities arise.
"I am looking forward to seeing that unravel more in the coming months and years. Much is spoken about our targets to reach net zero, and wind powered energy is something we should be proud of.
"Well done to the team at Ocean Winds."
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam praised Ocean Winds' "significant investment" in Buckie.
“The Moray West Offshore Wind Farm marks a huge step in regard to tapping into Buckie’s vast potential, and Scotland’s journey to leading the world as a net-zero nation.
"Ocean Winds’ development showcases how the north-east and Moray are fast becoming the centre for renewable innovation, bringing significant investment to Buckie and around 60 high-skilled jobs.
“Scotland’s renewables potential is second to none. I am really pleased with how this project has progressed, further cementing Scotland’s place in the world as a global leader in sustainability and renewable energy.
“As the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, I will continue to do everything I can to support further investment in the area that will support our local economy while benefitting the communities across Moray and the north-east.”
Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross spoke of the "key role" the project had in helping fulfil both local and national objectives.
He said: "It is welcome to see the plans for the offshore Moray West wind farm reach this important milestone.
"As we look to achieve ambitious net-zero targets, renewables projects such as this one in Buckie will play a key role in helping us be successful.
"They will also bring much needed jobs to our rural and coastal communities.
"As the project continues to progress, I hope that developers will engage with local people and businesses to ensure they benefit and that more people are attracted to come and work in Moray as a result."
Recruitment for the new base is under way, with 11 of the full complement of around 60 long-term local roles already in post and undergoing the necessary rigorous training.
Further employment will be stimulated across the regional supply chain.
Service technicians will prepare equipment for use on the wind farm and kit-up prior to boarding the crew transfer vessels that will be berthed alongside new pontoons in the harbour. Staff will also be based in the facility to manage the warehouse, health and safety and equipment monitoring of the wind farm.
The new base at Buckie will complement the existing base for the Moray East project in Fraserburgh and will enable Ocean Winds to efficiently manage and maintain the growing number of Ocean Winds offshore wind farms in the Moray Firth. The new O&M hub formed by the two sites will ensure that the wind farms run smoothly and continue to provide reliable clean energy for many years to come.
The installed capacity of the wind farm will be 882MW from 60xSG 14-222 DD wind turbines to be supplied by Siemens Gamesa.
