Plans to build offshore wind farms nearly 40km off the St Abbs coastline have been approved
The Berwick Bank wind farm would have the capacity to power every Scottish household almost twice annually, generating 4.1 gigawatts. It could also generate enough to power around 17% of UK households.
A seabird assessment will be made to understand the potential harm to nearby wildlife by developer SSE Renewables, to outline a compensation plan. It'll need to be approved by Scottish Ministers before Berwick Bank goes ahead with the development.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes says the decision "is a major step in Scotland's progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis".
She said: 'It is also an important decision for Scotland's renewables sector, and this investment will be further built upon through the delivery of Scotland's significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects under the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing rounds.
'We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation – to minimise the impact of the development on the marine environment and other marine users – and balance the needs of people and nature.'
The decision follows the official opening of the Neart na Gaoithe wind farm development off the Eyemouth coastline. The project, which has 54 wind turbines, was visited by First Minister John Swinney last week after being initially chosen as a renewable energy site in 2008.
Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary for the UK Government, said: "We welcome this decision which puts us within touching distance of our offshore wind targets to deliver clean power by 2030 – boosting our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.
'We need to take back control of our energy and more offshore wind getting the green light marks a huge step forward in Britain's energy security and getting bills down for good.
'But we know there's a lot more work to do and we must go further and faster to get us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels and make working people better off with clean, homegrown, secure power as part of our Plan for Change.'
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'Since taking office I have prioritised delivering more clean energy jobs in Scotland. I welcome this decision, which marks a crucial stage in the development of this project. Berwick Bank has the potential to make a huge contribution to the UK Government's growth and clean energy missions and create clean power jobs in Scotland."Scotland is at the front of the race to clean energy across the UK, Berwick Bank would be the world's biggest wind farm just off the East Lothian coast, which underlines the massive potential clean energy has to generate jobs, wealth and opportunity for Scottish families."These large-scale renewable energy projects will ensure people in Scotland truly benefit from clean power, lower bills, and good quality job opportunities."
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