Offshore wind energy

Our Approach

Offshore windfarms are likely to be larger than those onshore, both in size of turbine and in extent. This is an already proven technology - and Scottish waters offer the windiest sites in Europe. Currently, sites are limited to relatively shallow depths (15-30m) and with zones of breaking waves being avoided, but deeper water locations are now being explored.

The move from land to sea brings its own issues with regard to these large developments interacting with Scotland's nature and landscapes. Potential issues include impacts to birds, marine mammals and sea bed (benthic) ecology, as well as landscapes and visual impacts. Apart from the turbines themselves, transmission routes and cabling can also have an impact on nature and landscapes.

We do not have a specific offshore wind energy policy. Offshore wind development is covered by our overarching Renewable Energy Policy Statement and in Marine renewable energy and the natural heritage: an overview and policy statement  .

Guidance

Scotland has experienced limited offshore windfarm development to date, with one commercial site in the Solway Firth (under construction), 2 demonstrator turbines in the Beatrice Field in the Moray Firth and plans for a further development in Aberdeen bay at an advanced stage. However, advances in turbine technology are enabling developers to explore increasingly deep waters and significant interest has been generated in response to the Crown Estate's   launch of both the Round 3 offshore wind sites (2 on the east coast of Scotland) and a call for proposals within Scottish territorial waters.

Due to the relatively small number of offshore windfarm proposals in Scotland, we have not produced generic guidance on impacts. We will offer advice and guidance on a case by case basis.

One of the concerns about offshore windfarms is the potential impact on Scotland's unique and special seascape. To look into this, we commissioned research in 2005 on An assessment of the sensitivity and capacity of the Scottish seascape in relation to offshore windfarms (2005) The coastal character types  defined in this study, are useful at a national, strategic level (associated map  ).

In addition, offshore windfarm developers will benefit from our Guidance on European Designated sites and Information on designated sites in Scotland.

Scoping Responses

We have now provided our scoping advice on seven out of the nine proposed windfarm sites in Scottish territorial waters. Our scoping responses are listed below:

• Argyl Array 
• Beatrice 
• Forth Array   
• Inch Cape 
• Islay 
• Kintyre 
• Neart Na Gaoithe (Scoping response) 
• Neart Na Gaoithe (Advice on Habitats Regulations Appraisal) 

Contacts

To ensure a prompt response, all enquiries relating to offshore wind and marine renewables should be sent in the first instance to marinerenewables@snh.gov.uk.

Should you require to speak to a Renewable Energy staff member please use the contacts below:

Erica Knott

Offshore wind policy and guidance

erica.knott@snh.gov.uk 01738 458674

Catriona Gall

Offshore wind casework

Catriona.gall@snh.gov.uk 01738 458665