Moray Offshore Renewables (MOR) said yesterday it had published its environmental impact assessment scoping report.
This provides plans for the development of between 1,000 and 1,140 megawatts of wind power in the outer Moray Firth, more than 13.5 miles from the Caithness coast.
This is the first phase of a project which could ultimately deliver 1,500MW of power. The scoping report is available for public consultation until the end of November and 12 consultation events will be held in towns and villages from Wick to Peterhead.
MOR was formed last year as a joint-venture company owned 75% by EDP Renewables (EDPR) and 25% by SeaEnergy Renewables.
Project director Dan Finch said: “Our proposal to work in deeper waters uses Scotland’s deepwater engineering expertise from the North Sea to allow us to develop wind power some 22km (13.67 miles) away from the coast, taking advantage of available space on the sea-bed for construction, and an excellent wind resource. This technology builds on the pioneering work of the already operational Beatrice Demonstrator turbines, and will make the Highlands and the north-east a world-leader in offshore renewable technology, as well as offering the chance to significantly increase the amount of electricity produced by renewables, and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.”
Chief business-development officer Luis Adao da Fonseca said: “EDPR and SeaEnergy Renewables bring together a proven record of delivery of renewable energy at scale, with unique deepwater capabilities to meet the challenge of developing renewable energy in the North Sea.
“We recognise that this project will be of interest to a huge number of organisations, individuals and communities in the north of Scotland and beyond, and I would like to invite people to be part of our consultation.”