The first phase of the Firth of Forth offshore wind farm development has been approved by the Scottish Government.

The decision has been welcomed by Seagreen Wind Energy Ltd (Seagreen), a 50/50 joint venture between Fluor Ltd and SSE Renewables.

In a statement, SSE said the consent was awarded to Projects Alpha and Bravo – Phase 1 of the development zone – and follows almost five years of engagement, environmental studies, engineering surveys and assessments.

Project Alpha and Project Bravo, which are located 27km and 38km respectively from the Angus coastline, would consist of up to 150 turbines and have the potential to generate up to 1050MW of renewable energy.

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It is understood both projects would connect to the national grid via a subsea cable landing at Carnoustie and then by underground cable to the substation at Tealing.

Mike Scott, General Manager of Seagreen Wind Energy Ltd, commented: "We are delighted that The Scottish Government has granted consent to Seagreen; marking another positive milestone in the projects' development. Seagreen will now assess how best to progress the Phase 1 projects over the coming months, taking into account of all of the regulatory and commercial issues that have to be considered."

Ronnie Quinn, Lead on Energy & Infrastructure in Scotland at The Crown Estate, added: "Today's consent announcement from Scottish Government for the Seagreen project is another milestone in what has been a landmark year for the UK's offshore wind industry.

"In our role as manager of the UK seabed we are delighted to see such positive decisions coming through the planning process that will help cement the UK's position as a global leader in offshore wind."

(JP/IT)