OREANDA-NEWS. Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL), a joint venture partnership formed between SSE Renewables (75%) and Repsol Nuevas Energias UK (25%), welcomes today's decision by The Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee to raise no objection to the proposed Beatrice offshore wind farm, situated in the Outer Moray Firth.

The ruling represents another major step forward in the consent process for the development, following Moray Council's decision to approve the project's 'in principle' onshore transmission works in February this year. The offshore element of the project now awaits a final consent decision from the Scottish Government, which is expected later in 2013.

BOWL submitted an application to Scottish Ministers in April 2012 for consent to develop the Beatrice offshore wind farm. If approved, the wind farm will generate up to 1,000MW of renewable energy and will bring a range of socio-economic opportunities to the Moray Firth and Highland region such as job creation, skills training, local infrastructure investment and use of local businesses during construction.

As responsible developers, SSE Renewables and Repsol have been in regular liaison with the community, local authorities and other stakeholders and have sought to address concerns raised during the consultation process. BOWL will continue to work closely with local residents and stakeholders to keep them informed as plans for the project progress.

Richard Escott, Head of Offshore Development for SSE Renewables, said:

“SSE Renewables is delighted that members of Highland Council's North Planning Applications Committee have raised no objection to the Beatrice offshore wind farm. I look forward to the final decision from Scottish Ministers towards the end of 2013.

“The project represents a substantial investment in the region and will bring significant benefits to the local economy. As we await final determination of the offshore element of the project, we will continue our open, ongoing engagement with the local community to ensure they are kept informed at every stage.”

Ronnie Bonnar, Managing Director of Repsol Nuevas Energias UK, said:

“Highland Council's decision to raise no objection to the Beatrice offshore wind farm marks yet another important milestone for the project. The North Planning Committee's decision represents a major step forward for the development of offshore wind in the Moray Firth region and all the socio-economic benefits that come with it. We will continue to work with key stakeholders to deliver this project."