RenewableUK Response to Green Light on Scottish Windfarm

Beatrice Offshore Windfarm came to a financial close this week. The 84 turbine windfarm was given the go ahead after a £2.6 billon agreement by owners SSE, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and SDIC Power. The project is one of the largest private investments ever made in Scottish infrastructure and is expected to create over 890 jobs during its construction next year.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Hugh McNeal said: “It’s terrific to see another multi-billion pound international investment in our global-leading offshore wind industry. We now know that by 2020, 10 per cent of the UK’s electricity will be generated by offshore wind farms, securing jobs and investment all over our country”.

In total, the UK now has more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity operating, under construction or with final investment decisions taken. With 5.1GW operational, 0.8GW being built and 4.3GW having reached FID, offshore wind is set to provide 10 per cent of the UK’s electricity needs by 2020. Offshore wind already delivers 5 per cent.

10GW will power the equivalent of more than a quarter of UK households a year – over 7 and a half million homes.