PLANS for a multi-billion-pound wind farm off the coast of Moray have reached a major milestone after they were approved by the Scottish Government.
The proposal for the Caledonia Offshore Wind Farm, which will be located in the Moray Firth, approximately 40 kilometres offshore, aims to generate enough renewable energy to power two million homes.
Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE, confirmed on Friday it had secured offshore consent from the Scottish Government for its two-gigawatt wind farm.
It comes after Aberdeenshire Council granted full onshore consent earlier this year, with the project now being able to advance towards its next phase.
Alongside sister projects Moray East and Moray West, the developers said Caledonia will take Ocean Winds’ long-term operational jobs in the region to more than 200 skilled roles.
Mark Baxter, Caledonia project director, said the plans come after years of hard work by the team as he welcomed the green-light from the Scottish Government.
“The Scottish Government’s decision to grant consent is greatly welcomed and allows us to press ahead with this exciting project,” he said.
“At 2GW, Caledonia will double the energy generation of the Moray Firth, supporting the UK’s aim of bolstering energy security, decarbonising the power system and transitioning jobs.”
Ocean Winds, Scotland’s largest offshore wind operator, said it expects to begin offshore construction in 2030, subject to the project securing a Contracts for Difference (CfD) and reaching final investment decision (FID).
Adam Morrison, UK country manager for Ocean Winds, added: “Caledonia is built on Ocean Winds’ proud legacy in the Moray Firth; this welcome decision by the Scottish Government to grant offshore consent allows us to write the next chapter.
“But despite this positive step forward for Scotland’s offshore wind sector, uncertainty in market signals, namely transmission charges, remain the critical factor in determining whether projects like Caledonia can proceed to FID as planned.
“If the UK is serious about energy security, it needs Scottish offshore wind. And if it wants Scottish offshore wind at the lowest cost to consumer, it must fix TNUoS.”
