Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL), a joint partnership between SSE Renewables and Repsol Nuevas Energias UK, has confirmed that Wick Harbour is the preferred future location for the Beatrice offshore wind farm's Operation and Maintenance (O&M) base.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was finalised with Wick Harbour Authority and BOWL earlier this week. Subject to a positive final investment decision, the project has been planned for construction in 2016.

Consent for the scheme was first approved by Marine Scotland in March 2014, and in May, it was awarded an Investment Contract by the UK Government.

The project is expected to generate up to 664MW of renewable electricity as well as deliver a range of socio-economic benefits to both the Moray and Highland regions. This includes job creation, skills training opportunities, plus opportunities for local businesses through SSE's Open4Business events and online portal. Further details will be released as the project makes progress towards construction, SSE has said.

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Commenting on the news, Richard Escott, Head of Offshore Development for SSE Renewables, said: "We are pleased to announce that an MoU has been signed with Wick Harbour Authority that could see Beatrice base its O&M facilities at Wick Harbour should a positive final investment decision be made on the project in 2016.

"It has been a lengthy process and the O&M options for the BOWL project have been investigated thoroughly using a strict set of criteria for local ports and harbours based on our business needs and our safety policy. Out of all the locations investigated, Wick presented the best fit for our project and we are hugely impressed by the existing facilities on offer."

Ronnie Bonnar, Managing Director of Repsol Nuevas Energias UK, added: "Our agreement with Wick Harbour Authority marks another key step for the BOWL project as we move towards a final investment decision in 2016.

"We are pleased that we have an agreement to use an existing harbour near our site to operate and maintain the wind farm and hope to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live and work through the socioeconomic benefits."

(JP/CD)