Scotland looking at almost 2.5 GW of new offshore wind capacity through cooperation of four companies

November 11th, 2009 | Posted in Wind


Map of Rounds 1, 2 and 3 for offshore wind development in the UK. (Image: TimesOnline.co.uk)

Map of Rounds 1, 2 and 3 for offshore wind development in the UK. (Image: TimesOnline.co.uk)

Scotland may be getting 2470 MW of new offshore wind power capacity in the future. The amount represents the combined output from newly proposed wind farm sites, with another 3700 MW coming from the nearby Round 3 Zone. The Scottish Government may issue grants for individual projects as early as mid-2012.

Major studies have to be done in order for the proposed offshore wind capacity to be developed. These include fisheries, shipping, birds, marine mammals and seabed conditions. Four offshore locations are being considered:

  • Inch Cape – 905 MW, to be developed by RWE npower Renewables and SeaEnergy Renewables
  • Bell Rock – 700 MW, to be developed by Airtricity UK and Fluor
  • Neart and Gaoithe – 450 MW, to be developed by Mainstream Renewable Power
  • Forth Array – 415 MW, to be developed by Fred Olsen Renewables

The wind farm sites have to be at least 10 km away from the shores. If grants are issued in mid-2012 as planned, the projects could be completed between 2014 and 2018.

[via: RenewableEnergyFocus.com]