4.1 GW offshore wind project in Scotland approved for environmental assessment

SSE Renewables has initiated the application process for the Berwick Bank project located off the East Lothian coast of Scotland. The project aims to generate 4.1 GW of electricity using fixed-bottom technology. The approval process for the project, which will generate enough power for more than 5 million homes, will be completed in 2023. Both onshore and offshore elements of the project are currently under review. Upon completion, the Berwick Bank project will provide significant economic benefits and will act as a catalyst for supply chain investment in Scotland.

The project is expected to create approximately 4,650 direct, indirect, and induced jobs in Scotland, and 9,300 jobs in the UK, contributing approximately GBP8.3 billion (US$ 10.34 billion) to the UK economy over its lifetime. SSE Renewables has proposed measures to promote seabird populations in the North Sea and address the climate emergency as part of the project. The wind farm would assist in meeting Scottish Government's target of 11 GW of new offshore wind energy supply by 2030.

The Berwick Bank project is expected to deliver the first power from the wind farm by 2027.