AN IMPORTANT milestone has been reached in a bid for the UK’s largest offshore windfarm.

Berwick Bank, located about 38 kilometres off the East Lothian coast, is set to generate up to 4.1GW of power, making it the largest offshore windfarm planning application to be submitted in the UK.

The consent process for the onshore elements of the project, which is being proposed by SSE Renewables, is now being considered by East Lothian Council.

The process runs alongside the offshore consent process, which kicked off in December and is being considered by the Scottish Government.

A final decision by authorities is expected later this year.

SSE Renewables expects Berwick Bank to provide multiple benefits for the economy, environment and energy security – as well as acting as a major catalyst for supply chain investment for Scotland.

Alex Meredith, Berwick Bank project director, said: “Berwick Bank is a win-win for the climate and nature.

“If we consent Berwick, Scotland will be leading the world in the delivery of offshore wind energy and we will provide a long-term solution to help Scotland’s iconic seabirds thrive.

“This is an opportunity we must progress rapidly.”

Previously, it was stated that as many as 307 turbines could be created.

Berwick Bank has secured a grid connection at Branxton, near Torness.

A second grid connection will be required for the project, which has been determined as Blyth, Northumberland.

The team behind the project has based the design on fixed-bottom technology so that it can be delivered quickly at scale.

“We’re aiming to begin delivering the first energy from 2027, so it’s a very short lead time for a project of this size,” added Mr Meredith.

“We will be urging the planning authorities to consider the application quickly to allow us to deliver our largest wind farm to date, in the shortest time possible.

“Berwick Bank can be a massive step forward in the delivery of renewable capacity and lessen reliance on fossil fuels and volatile imported energy supplies.

“The world needs more renewable energy and we are committed to helping meet Scotland and the UK’s net zero targets.

“Our proposals also focus on managing the fishing of sandeels better in Scotland to protect our most vulnerable seabird colonies.”

Once complete, which could be by 2030, Berwick Bank will be a critical contributor towards meeting the Scottish Government goal of 11GW of new offshore wind energy supply by the same year.

A recent economic impact study carried out by independent renewable energy consultants BVG Associates (BVGA) has shown that at peak construction in 2026, the project could create about 4,650 direct, indirect and induced jobs in Scotland and 9,300 in the UK – adding an estimated £8.3 billion to the UK economy as a whole over the lifetime of the project.

As part of the plans, SSE Renewables has proposed measures that could boost seabird populations in the North Sea while helping tackle the energy crisis.

Studies submitted with the application indicate that vulnerable seabird populations could increase in numbers by several thousand birds annually if proposed compensation measures are implemented.

Berwick Bank Wind Farm Limited has also formally promoted a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for specific rights in land that are required for its onshore infrastructure.

The CPO process runs in tandem alongside the planning application seeking permission to approve the construction for Berwick Bank Wind Farm’s offshore and onshore infrastructure.