Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm developers pleased at 'positivity' behind 150-turbine scheme
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The developers behind a proposed 2GW offshore wind farm with up to 150 turbines in the Moray Firth are refining designs after feedback from communities.
Ocean Winds, a 50-50 joint venture owned by EDP Renewables and ENGIE, held consultation events last month in Wick, Buckie and Fraserburgh over plans for the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm (OWF).
These events, focused on the project’s offshore scoping report, drew members of the public from across the Moray Firth interested in finding out more and sharing their thoughts on the development.
An additional event has now been organised in the Moray Lounge of the Banff Springs Hotel on Thursday, February 2, from 11am to 7pm.
The offshore scoping report, which was submitted to Marine Scotland in October, outlines the technologies under consideration for the project. It also covers the work that will be undertaken for the environmental impact assessment to support the planning application, which is due to be submitted in 2024.
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Once fully commissioned – expected in 2030 – Caledonia will double the Moray Firth’s ability to supply electricity – with expected capacity meeting the average electricity needs of around two million homes, according to the developers.
Caledonia project director Mark Baxter said: “As the first in a series of consultation events for Caledonia OWF, it was great to see such an appetite for and positivity around the project.
“Over the course of the three days we spoke to more than 100 people, who were keen to hear more about the proposed development, and the opportunities arising throughout development.
“We also had some extremely productive discussion with the local fishing community at all three events. Feedback was provided in relation to the project generally in addition to specific feedback in relation to the offshore export cable route. This information is invaluable as we continue to progress and refine our design plans. “
The proposed wind farm sits adjacent to Ocean Winds' Moray East, which came online in 2020, and Moray West, which is currently under construction and is due to be operational by early 2025.
Mr Baxter added: “Having seen the benefits Ocean Winds’ neighbouring developments, Moray East and Moray West, have brought to local communities over the last 10 years, there is a real interest in seeing that pipeline extend into the next decade. Caledonia OWF provides the work to do this while addressing national skills needs and domestic energy security and supply.”
For those who were unable to attend the consultation events in person, the public exhibitions have been replicated as an “online village hall” style virtual engagement platform which can be accessed at https://caledonia.virtual-engage.com and are open until the end of February.
Following this first round of consultation events, the project team is undertaking a wide range of surveys, before moving on to compile an environmental impact assessment report.
