One of the world's largest offshore wind farms 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 capacity
of 4.1 gigawatts (GW) which, with current technology, could
generate enough electricity each year to power every household in
Scotland around twice over.
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 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.”
Background
Link to section 36 consent
decision notice and associated marine licences
Berwick Bank will have an estimated capacity of 4.1GW which, with
current technology, could generate up to 11.2 TWh of electricity
annually - enough to power around 17% of households in the
UK.
