Potentially the world’s largest offshore wind farm project has been granted consent by the Scottish Government.
Located approximately 38km from the Scottish Borders coastline at St Abbs, Berwick Bank wind farm will have an estimated final capacity of 4.1 gigawatts (GW) with 307 turbines. With current technology, it could generate enough electricity each year to power twice the annual needs of Scotland’s households.
In recognition that the site of the development is also considered a highly important area for wildlife, consent for the construction and operation of the wind farm is subject to the developer, SSE Renewables, producing a detailed sea bird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for.
This plan will need to be approved by Scottish Ministers ahead of Berwick Bank proceeding.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Ministers have given the Berwick Bank wind farm application extremely careful consideration.
“The decision to grant consent to Berwick Bank is a major step in Scotland’s progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis, as well as supporting national energy security and growing our green economy.
“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector, and this investment will be further built upon through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects under the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing rounds.
“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation – to minimise the impact of the development on the marine environment and other marine users – and balance the needs of people and nature.”
The project fits within the context of strong support by the UK government for renewable energy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has outlined a plan to install up to 50 GW of capacity as part of a large deployment of offshore wind over the next five years.
(Illustration from Scottish government)