Scotland Grants Consent for Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm
In what is being called a “vital step” for Scotland and the UK’s renewable energy ambitions, the Scottish Government has granted consent for the proposed Berwick Bank offshore wind farm. If the project is developed, it would supply twice the annual needs of Scotland’s households and enough power for around 17 percent of the UK’s households.
The massive project, which has been more than a decade in the planning, highlights SSE’s commitment to renewable energy and is one step closer to proceeding. The consent from Scotland is the last major approval necessary for the project to proceed. However, it still must win a power contract under the UK’s Contracts for Difference scheme, which will likely launch its next round in September. SSE also needs to reach its final investment decision.
The approval comes just days after Donald Trump admonished Scotland to “Stop the windmills,” during his visit. Despite opposition, the UK government is strongly behind renewable energy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined a plan to install up to 50 GW of capacity as part of a mass deployment of offshore wind over the next five years.
SSE’s Ambitious Plan for Berwick Bank
SSE’s plan for Berwick Bank calls for it ultimately to consist of up to 307 turbines. It would be located approximately 23 miles off the east coast of Scotland in the outer Firth of Forth. The company reports a rated capacity of 4.1 GW, which would make it the largest in the world. The UK’s Hornsea 3, which is currently under construction, would be the largest individual wind farm at 2.9 GW.
The Berwick Bank project has faced opposition from groups that say it would endanger birds and harm the region’s environment. SSE counters that it would create over 9,000 jobs at peak construction and could inject £8.3 billion of value into the UK economy.
Future Outlook
SSE has not provided a target date for the project. The next CfD round is expected to announce results by early 2026. The UK government’s continued support for renewable energy initiatives signals a promising future for projects like Berwick Bank.