Green light for massive Scottish offshore wind farm that could power two million homes
“The Scottish government’s decision to grant consent is greatly welcomed and allows us to press ahead with this exciting project” – Mark Baxter, project director
Developers have been given the green light for a giant wind farm in the Moray Firth that could power the equivalent of two million homes.
Ocean Winds, a joint venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, has secured consent from the Scottish government for its two-gigawatt Caledonia offshore wind farm.
Offshore construction is expected to begin in 2030, subject to the project securing a crucial contracts for difference (CfD) agreement and reaching final investment decision thereafter.
Located in the Moray Firth, some 25 miles from shore, the Caledonia site is being developed as part of Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind leasing round. Alongside sister projects Moray East and Moray West, Caledonia will take Ocean Winds’ long-term operational jobs in the region to more than 200 skilled roles.
With the government approval, which follows Aberdeenshire Council granting full onshore consent earlier this year, Caledonia has now cleared the final major regulatory hurdle, meaning it can advance towards the next phase of project delivery.
Mark Baxter, Caledonia project director, said: “This is the culmination of years of hard work by our Caledonia team. We would also like to thank the many stakeholders and communities who have engaged constructively with the project throughout the consenting process.
“The Scottish government’s decision to grant consent is greatly welcomed and allows us to press ahead with this exciting project.
“At two gigawatts, 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.”
Adam Morrison, UK country manager for Ocean Winds, said: “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 final investment decision as planned,” he added.
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