Scottish Ministers have granted consents and marine licences for the North and South Caledonia offshore wind farms in the Moray Firth.

Together, the schemes will cover around 429 km² and host up to 140 wind turbines. According to the projects, they could generate enough electricity annually to supply approximately 2 million households.

Ocean Winds, the developer, has committed in its latest Supply Chain Development Statement to invest £1.7 billion in Scotland across the two projects. The developments are expected to support jobs in engineering, manufacturing, ports and vessels, and create long-term operations and maintenance roles.

Caledonia South plans to use a mix of fixed-bottom and floating foundations, advancing Scotland's position as a world leader in floating wind technology.

As part of the approval, the developer must mitigate and minimise impacts on the environment and other sea users. This includes preparing a detailed seabird compensation plan setting out how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated, with these plans requiring ministerial approval before Caledonia North and South can proceed.

-- Advertisement --

First Minister John Swinney said: "We have given the Caledonia North and South offshore wind farm applications very careful consideration.

"This consent decision is a significant step in Scotland's progress towards tackling climate change and reaching net zero, which is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

"It is also an important decision for Scotland's renewables sector. This investment will be built upon further through the delivery of Scotland's significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects.

"We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation to minimise impacts on the marine environment and other marine users, balancing the needs of people and nature."

A Section 36 consent decision notice and associated marine licences have been issued.

Caledonia North is a fixed-bottom project in the outer Moray Firth, approximately 28 km from Wick and 48 km from Banff, with an anticipated generating capacity of 1 gigawatt from up to 77 wind turbine generators.

Caledonia South combines fixed-bottom and floating turbines in the outer Moray Firth, about 45 km from Wick and 35 km from Banff, with an expected capacity of 1 gigawatt from up to 78 turbines, no more than 39 of which will be floating. Across both schemes, the total number of turbines will not exceed 140.

The applications were supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and information to inform the Habitats Regulations. Consultation and public engagement were undertaken in line with regulatory requirements, and the responses received were taken into account.

Caledonia North and South are the second set of ScotWind projects to receive offshore consent from Scottish Ministers.