Wick consultation event over plans for Caledonia offshore wind farm
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A public consultation event will be held in Wick next month over plans for a new offshore wind farm consisting of as many as 150 turbines.
The 2GW Caledonia wind farm is being developed by Ocean Winds in the Moray Firth, to the east of the Beatrice, Moray West and Moray East sites, and will provide "opportunities for local growth".
The first major public document for the project, the offshore scoping report, has been submitted to Marine Scotland.
The report outlines the technologies under consideration for developing the site. It also details the work that will be undertaken for the environmental impact assessment that will support the planning application.
The developers say that, once fully commissioned, Caledonia will double the Moray Firth’s ability to supply low-cost, low-carbon electricity. It is expected to start generation in 2030.
The site was awarded to Ocean Winds under the Scottish Government’s ScotWind process and will join Moray East and Moray West as the company’s third offshore wind farm in the UK.
A public consultation on the scoping report will take place in Mackays Hotel, Wick, from noon to 8pm on Monday, November 7. Similar events will be held in Fraserburgh (November 9) and Buckie (November 10).
Caledonia project director Mark Baxter said: “The ScotWind seabed allocation took place at the beginning of the year and I am pleased that, after just nine months, Caledonia is one of the first projects to publish its scoping report – marking an important early milestone in project development.
“The urgent need for new-generation, low-cost energy capacity in the UK and Scotland has been prioritised by governments, and Caledonia is ideally placed to deliver quickly.
“Caledonia’s scoping report comprehensively outlines the options being considered to develop the wind farm and the proposed approach to the project's environmental impact assessment.
"We have extensive knowledge, experience and relationships in the Moray Firth, and we look forward to engaging with the individuals, organisations and communities who have an interest in the project.”
A spokesperson said Ocean Winds expects to use between 84 and 150 turbines. He explained: "At this early stage, this is expressed as a range because the technology is improving all the time. Capacities are increasing, meaning fewer are required."
The scoping report can be seen at www.caledoniaoffshorewind.com
Ocean Winds, which has its headquarters in Madrid, is the result of a 50-50 joint venture by EDP Renewables and Engie.
