In a landmark moment for Scotland’s green energy sector, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray officially activated full power at Ocean Winds’ Moray West offshore wind farm—a facility large enough to power 1.3 million homes, or roughly half of Scotland’s households.
Located 13 miles off the coast of Buckie, the 882-megawatt wind farm marks a major milestone in the UK’s renewable energy transition and economic growth strategy. With turbines standing up to 257 metres, it also claims the record for the largest wind turbines ever installed in British waters.
“It was a huge moment today when I switched on full power for the Moray West Windfarm,” Murray said during the activation ceremony. “This investment is central to ensuring Scotland and its workers benefit from skilled jobs and clean growth.”
Ocean Winds Becomes Largest Offshore Operator in Scotland
The commissioning of Moray West cements Ocean Winds as the largest offshore wind operator in Scotland, with two projects operational off the northeast coast and a third currently in development.
The project itself created approximately 1,500 jobs during construction and tapped into more than 80 UK-based suppliers, aligning with UK Government efforts to bolster domestic supply chains and boost economic resilience in the green sector.
| Project Name | Moray West Offshore Wind Farm |
|---|---|
| Developer | Ocean Winds |
| Output | 882 MW |
| Homes Powered | 1.3 million |
| Location | 13 miles off Buckie, Scotland |
| Turbine Height | Up to 257 metres |
| UK Suppliers Used | 80+ |
| Jobs Created | ~1,500 (construction phase) |
Strategic Boost to Clean Power Targets
Moray West is a major contributor to the UK Government’s Clean Power Action Plan, specifically its goal of installing 43–50GW of offshore wind by 2030. The project also underscores Scotland’s pivotal role in national energy ambitions, with Great British Energy headquartered in Aberdeen and billions in investment set to flow into the region.
“Offshore wind is the backbone of our clean power plans,” said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. “Moray West helps get us off the fossil fuel rollercoaster, protects households from gas price volatility, and creates good jobs.”
The activation comes as the UK pushes forward with its Plan for Change, aiming to transform the energy grid, strengthen resilience, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels amid global instability and volatile energy markets.
Supporting a Just Transition: From Oil & Gas to Renewables
During the visit, Murray met Ocean Winds staff who had transitioned from the oil and gas industry and the UK’s armed forces into renewable energy roles—symbolizing the shift toward a just energy transition that retains and retrains skilled workers from legacy industries.
The government’s emphasis on upskilling and reemployment in the clean energy sector has become a core component of its economic narrative, especially in regions with historic dependence on oil and gas infrastructure.
