Milestone reached in major offshore windfarm project which could bring economic benefits to the far north

A MAJOR offshore windfarm, which could power more than two million homes and deliver economic opportunities in the far north, has reached a significant milestone.

The companies behind the West of Orkney windfarm have lodged applications with Scottish Ministers for the proposed development which lies 25 kilometres off the Sutherland coast. A planning application for the onshore works is expected to be submitted to The Highland Council later this year.

The West of Orkney Windfarm secured the development rights to an area of seabed from Crown Estate Scotland in the highly competitive ScotWind leasing process last year.

The project will have up to 125 turbines on fixed foundations, an expected capacity of around two gigawatts and aims to deliver its first power in 2029. It is being developed by a joint venture comprising Corio Generation, TotalEnergies and Renewable Infrastructure Development Group (RIDG). It is the first ScotWind project to have applied for consent just 20 months after being awarded the site.

Development manager, Jack Farnham, said:"Our vision is to develop a world-leading offshore windfarm that will spearhead the decarbonization of the Scottish economy and play a pivotal role in fostering growth, empowerment and prosperity for local communities.

"Any project which intends to power around two million homes cannot be undertaken in isolation from the communities in which it will operate. Over the last two years we’ve organised 33 public events, reaching over 2400 residents across Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney. These events have served as a platform for the community to actively participate and engage with the project’s design, ensuring that we develop an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial project that resonates with local needs and aspirations.

He said: "This application outlines our commitment to safeguard marine habitats, protect wildlife, and minimise any potential disturbances to the local ecosystem. It includes a biodiversity enhancement plan, setting out how the West of Orkney Windfarm will positively interact, over the long term, with the environment of the area in which we operate. Moreover, it highlights our proactive approach to engaging with local communities to foster sustainable development and create a positive legacy across generations."

The submission includes applications for consent under the Electricity Act 1989 and marine licence applications under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. It also includes an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Mr Farnham added: "Securing consent is a critical milestone in unlocking the significant inward investment this ambitious project will generate, and bringing economic and social benefits to the communities in which we will operate."

Nick Sharpe, director of communications at Scottish Renewables, said: "ScotWind is set to transform the energy landscape in Scotland, so it is encouraging to see the West of Orkney Wind Farm become the first project from last year’s leasing round to enter the consenting process."

He added: "Plans are in place for over 27GW of new offshore wind capacity – equivalent to 13 more West of Orkney projects – to be built over the next decade, and obtaining consent is just one of the many steps each of those schemes will have to take before these wind farms can start powering our net-zero future.

"Consenting offshore wind farms is a complex process and the Scottish Government now needs to ensure its agencies have the right skills and capacity in place so that decisions can be made on this project, and others which follow, at the pace needed to tackle the climate emergency."

Any representations should be made in writing to Scottish Ministers by November 20.

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