The Scottish Government has approved plans for a new floating demonstration wind farm to be built off the Caithness coastline.

The two-turbine Dounreay Trì Floating Wind Demonstration Project will have generating capacity for up to 12MW, enough to power almost 8,000 homes.

In addition, around 100 jobs will be supported during the assembly, installation and operations/maintenance stage.

The decision comes after the recent approval of the Kincardine Floating Offshore Wind farm, along with consent granted last year for the Hywind Scotland Pilot.

Overall, Scotland now has planning permission for up to 92MW of floating offshore wind, enough to power almost 60,000 homes.

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Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "Once operational, this demonstrator project will help to develop this pioneering technology and cement Scotland's reputation at the forefront of innovation in the renewables sector. With the consent for this project, the Scottish Government has now approved a total of 92MW of floating offshore wind, enough to power almost 60,000 homes. This not only highlights our commitment to exploring this innovative technology, but offers real scope for the development of wind energy projects in deeper water, in Scotland and across the world.

"In addition, the 12 MW project will produce enough electricity to power almost 8,000 homes and will create jobs and investment across Scotland through the use of Scotland's supply chain.

"The Scottish Government's commitment to supporting low carbon energy is outlined in our draft Energy Strategy which sets out next steps and how we will continue to transition to a low carbon economy, with the offshore wind sector – developed with due regard to our natural environment - playing an increasingly influential role."

(LM)