The developer Buchan Offshore Wind has formalized the submission of its marine consent applications to Scottish Ministers for the construction of a floating offshore wind farm, located 75 kilometers northeast of Fraserburgh, off the Aberdeenshire coast. This step is part of the ScotWind leasing process, through which the project secured seabed development rights from Crown Estate Scotland in 2022.
The future wind farm, with an anticipated capacity close to 1 gigawatt (GW), could supply electricity to more than one million households. The infrastructure would include up to 70 turbines with a planned grid connection date in 2033. This regulatory milestone represents an essential phase in the project’s progress toward construction.
Industrial investments and expected jobs
The project foresees an investment of more than £900 million in Scotland’s industrial base, particularly in the manufacturing sector and supply chain. During the construction phase, around 2,900 jobs would be created, while the operational phase would sustain close to 300 permanent positions. This outlook aligns with the broader regional economic impacts anticipated.
Buchan Offshore Wind has identified BW Ideol’s patented Damping Pool® technology as its preferred solution for the floating foundations. The company is currently working on establishing a production facility at the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, a reconverted site on the former oil and gas fabrication yard on the Moray Firth.
Regulatory steps and regional integration
The submitted authorizations include an application under the Electricity Act 1989 and a marine license application under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, supported by assessments based on more than three years of environmental survey data. These documents aim to demonstrate the project’s impact and address regulatory requirements.
Although the operational base has not yet been finalized, the developer is in discussions with several ports in northeast Scotland to determine the most suitable location for its operations and maintenance hub. This consultation process is intended to ensure logistical efficiency and alignment with regional port capacities.
Community engagement and upcoming timeline
Over the past three years, the project team has organized nine public events across the Buchan area and Aberdeenshire to engage with residents, businesses, and institutional stakeholders. These initiatives are designed to reflect local expectations in the development of the offshore project, particularly concerning economic and social benefits.
In addition, a planning application for onshore infrastructure related to the grid connection will be submitted to Aberdeenshire Council later this year. It will outline the underground cable route leading to the Peterhead substation, the designated point of connection to the existing transmission network.
