SSE has announced plans to enter its Seagreen offshore wind project into next year’s auction for renewable subsidies.
The project is being developed by Seagreen Wind Energy Limited, a 50/50 joint venture between SSE and engineering firm Fluor.
It received consent in 2014 and is now preparing to bid for the next contracts for difference (CfD) auction, planned for spring 2019.
Located 25km offshore from the Angus coastline off the outer Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay, the project has the potential to power up to 670,000 homes.
“Since 2014, offshore wind technology has advanced significantly with larger and more efficient turbines able to generate additional power from Scotland’s excellent wind resource,” said Sid Anverali, senior project manager at Seagreen Wind Energy Limited.
“Seagreen is seeking changes to its offshore planning consent so it can take advantage of these new innovations in turbine technology and deliver offshore wind power at the best value for money for consumers.”
The Seagreen project is expected to be delivered in the early to mid-2020s.
SSE is currently involved in the construction of another offshore wind farm also located in Scotland. The Beatrice offshore wind farm, of which the company owns 45 per cent, is one of the largest private investments in the region. The project is expected to have a total expenditure of £2.6 billion, with around 45 per cent of this investment likely to be in the UK.