Renewables start flowing from Dundee
Press release
3 October 2013
Renewables start flowing from Dundee
SBA, part of the WYG Group, is helping put the port and city of Dundee well and truly on the renewable energy map by providing expert transport planning and engineering advice to allow the construction of a major new wind farm in Aberdeenshire.
Commissioned by specialist hauliers Give Svaergods Transport Limited, SBA has been tasked with identifying the best route to Mid Hill Wind Farm, which is currently under construction for Fred Olsen Renewables.
SBA identified Dundee as the most suitable port for the deliveries of the turbine components and reviewed the access route and road modifications required to gain safe and efficient access from the harbour to the constiruction/wind farm site. The 85 mile delivery route required modifications at six road junctions and three bends along the length of the route to enable the long loads to pass safely and efficiently as well as installing temporary road signage and tree trimming works.
Working closely with Dundee City Council for the southern section of the route, SBA developed a package of road mitigation measures to enable the loads to be physically delivered that were then approved by the Council, Transport Scotland, BEAR – the trunk road operating firm and port operator Forth Ports.
45m long Siemens turbine blades were the first load to be transported on 19thSeptember, followed later in the week by tower sections up to 4.5m in width. All mitigation measures have been proven successful along the route with turbine components moving from up to the 20thof December, opening up new opportunities for renewables business in Dundee.
Gordon Buchan, SBA’s Regional Director, said, ‘We are extremely delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Dundee City Council, Siemens and Give Svaergods on what has been a very innovative and complicated transportation project. The 45m long blades are the longest load to have ever come out of the harbour and our work helps open up the port and city to further opportunities in the growing renewables market.’
He added: ‘We are very grateful for the support from Dundee City Council and contractor Tayside Contracts as well as the assistance of Scotland’s Police force, Transport Scotland, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and BEAR who have all been exceptional in helping to deliver the required road works to tight deadlines.’
Dundee Waterfront Co-ordinator Allan Watt of Dundee City Council commented, ‘The Scottish Government identified Dundee as one of Scotland's priority areas for the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan. The arrival and subsequent movement of these turbines is a very visible sign that Dundee is emerging as a major player in the renewables industry and we hope that the Mid Hill turbines will be the first of many to enjoy the benefits of the superb infrastructure and opportunities that Dundee offers.’
SBA provides specialist transport planning advice across Scotland as part of the wider multi-disciplinary offering of WYG.
Photo caption: 3 x 45m turbine blades departing the port on Strips of Craigie Road.
ENDS
Lisa Butler, PR and Communications Executive
WYG GROUP LTD
Arndale Court, Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 2UJ
Tel: : 44 (0)113 278 7111
Email: groupcommuncations@wyg.com
Twitter: @wyggroup
Notes to Editors
One of the top-ranking global consultancies employing around 1,300 people, WYG is behind some of the world’s most challenging projects. Our specialists provide expert advice and project management support that is helping shape landscapes, infrastructure, society and culture in the developed and developing world.
We advise on planning and transport, provide engineering and environmental services, consult on waste and resource management, and deliver support to enable economic and social reform.
By engaging with clients at an early stage we ensure that decisions are made which will maximise a project’s potential and deliver our client’s strategic objectives. In turn, this builds strong and lasting relationships with clients in each of our seven core sectors:
• Defence & Justice
• Energy & Waste
• Environment (including Waste & Waste Water)
• Transport
• Commercial Development & Urban Regeneration
• Mining & Metals
• Social Development & Infrastructure
WYG has an international presence with offices throughout the UK, and in Eastern Europe, the Middle East & North Africa, and South Africa.
