The Scottish Government has granted consent for SSE Renewables’ 4.1 GW Berwick Bank offshore wind development in the Outer Forth, following over a decade of careful planning.

Berwick Bank could inject approximately £8 billion into the UK economy and generate more than 9,000 jobs across the UK. At full capacity, it has the potential to power over six million homes annually.

In a welcome official letter, SSE Renewables confirmed the consent from Holyrood to proceed with the principal offshore section of the project. Located around 38 km off East Lothian, the decision marks a pivotal milestone and comes with the requirement that the company delivers a detailed seabird compensation plan before final approval can be granted.

The consent represents the final major regulatory hurdle. The project now hinges on securing a UK Contracts for Difference (CfD) agreement for low-carbon offshore wind, along with a formal final investment decision.

Once in operation, Berwick Bank would be the largest offshore wind farm in the world, capable of generating clean electricity equivalent to over six million UK households per year. It aims to boost Scotland’s existing renewable capacity by nearly 30%, moving it closer to national net-zero targets.

The project is poised to contribute significantly to the UK’s Clean Power 2030 agenda by helping meet the government's target of reaching 50 GW offshore wind capacity by 2030. It also supports Scotland’s ambitions to achieve carbon-neutral energy by 2045.

According to assessments by SSE and BVG Associates, during peak construction around 4,650 jobs would be created in Scotland and around 9,300 across the UK. Over its lifetime, Berwick Bank is projected to deliver around £8.3 billion in economic value to the UK, including £4.1 billion in Scotland.

SSE’s CEO, Stephen Wheeler, welcomed the consent as essential for the Clean Power mission and decarbonisation goals. He emphasised that this new development could rapidly scale up Scotland’s operational renewable energy capacity and deliver clean, affordable, and secure offshore wind generation to UK consumers.