Renewable energy developer SSE Renewables has revealed that its application to build the UK’s “largest offshore wind farm”, which would be capable of generating 4.1GW of renewable energy, has commenced determination.
Berwick Bank is situated around 38km off the coast of East Lothian in Scotland. The project is the “largest offshore wind farm planning application to be submitted in the UK to date and one of the largest globally”, SSE said.
The consent process for the onshore elements of the project has opened and is being considered by East Lothian Council. This is set to run alongside the offshore consent process which started in December 2022 and is being considered by the Scottish government.
A final decision by authorities is expected later in 2023.
“Berwick Bank is a win-win for the climate and nature. If we consent Berwick Scotland will be leading the world in the delivery of offshore wind energy and we will provide a long-term solution to help Scotland’s iconic seabirds thrive. This is an opportunity we must progress rapidly,” said Alex Meredith, project director for Berwick bank at SSE Renewables.
“We’re aiming to begin delivering the first energy from 2027, so it’s a very short lead time for a project of this size and we will be urging the planning authorities to consider the application quickly to allow us to deliver our largest wind farm to date, in the shortest time possible.
“Berwick Bank can be a massive step forward in the delivery of renewable capacity and lessen reliance on fossil fuels and volatile imported energy supplies.”
The project could contribute greatly to preestablished renewable generation targets set by the Scottish government. This includes a target to secure 11GW of new offshore wind energy by 2030.
“The world needs more renewable energy, and we are committed to helping meet Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets. Our proposals also focus on managing the fishing of sandeels better in Scotland to protect our most vulnerable seabird colonies,” added Meredith.
As part of the proposals, SSE Renewables has put forward measures that could boost seabird populations in the North Sea while tackling the energy crisis and the climate emergency.
Studies submitted with the application indicate that vulnerable seabird populations could increase in numbers by several thousand birds annually if proposed compensation measures are implemented.
The Scottish offshore wind sector continues to gain momentum ahead of its 2030 11GW target. Last week, green energy developer, ScottishPower formalised a £1.3 billion contract with Siemens Gamesa for the East Anglia Three offshore windfarm, in what the company said was its “biggest ever contract award”.
The wind farm, consisting of 95 14.7MW wind turbines will have a combined capacity of 1.4GW and will be constructed in the Southern North Sea, 69km from Great Yarmouth on the Norfolk coast.
