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Heidelberg Materials UK has supplied its specialist PowerCrete concrete to help maximise power capacity at the landfall connection for the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.
Set to become one of Scotland's largest offshore wind projects, Inch Cape will feature 72 turbines located 15km off the Angus coast. Once operational, expected in 2027, it will generate enough electricity to power 1.6 million homes. Energy from the site will be transmitted 85km to a new onshore substation at Cockenzie, East Lothian, before being connected to the National Grid.
Running power cables underground creates heat, which increases resistance and can reduce capacity. PowerCrete, a heat-conducting concrete, was used as bedding and infill material at the landfall site to enhance heat dissipation and optimise the performance of the underground cables.
Heidelberg Materials supplied 242 cubic metres of the product from its Glasgow concrete plant. The delivery process was complicated by tidal conditions, requiring precise scheduling and close collaboration between operations and distribution teams.
Michael Kelly, Commercial Manager at Charles Brand, the project's main contractor, said: "PowerCrete was exactly what we needed for Inch Cape and handled the technical demands of the cable installation really well.
"The tidal schedule added some complexity but the Heidelberg Materials team coordinated deliveries seamlessly. It’s reassuring to work with a supplier who truly understands site pressures and partners with you to deliver."
Robert Grant, Area General Manager at Heidelberg Materials UK, praised the joint effort: "This was a great example of how close coordination between our plant, logistics, and site teams can make a real difference.
"PowerCrete is a specialist product, and getting it to site on time – especially with tidal constraints – meant we had to be really sharp on planning and communication. The team at Charles Brand were excellent to work with, and together we kept everything moving smoothly. It's always rewarding to see our products play a part in such a significant renewable energy project."
