Buchan Offshore Wind, a proposed new floating offshore wind project 75km off the coast of Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is holding its second round of local consultation events next week as it seeks further feedback on its plans.
The array has the potential to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s and the UK’s renewable energy ambitions, with up to 70 floating turbines being deployed, said the developer.
If the wind farm gets the go-ahead it could see more than £1.4bn invested in Scotland’s manufacturing sector and supply chain, with some 2800 jobs in the country at the peak of construction and 320 ongoing jobs during its 30-year lifetime.
The array’s export cable would come ashore south of Rattray Head, and underground wires would then transport the energy to a new substation in the Peterhead area.
The project would connect to the electricity transmission network at the existing SSEN Peterhead substation.
Head of consents for the project Ian Simms said: “Last year we consulted with local people on our preferred landfall point, onshore cable route options, onshore substation site options, and our planned offshore scheme.
“We have considered all feedback received and since then have developed our plans in more detail.
“We are now holding a second round of public consultation to update local people and stakeholders on how our proposals have developed and seek their feedback to help us progress our proposals.
“The information gained will feed into the next phases of design as we seek to finalise our plans for the project and submit our applications for consent to Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish government next year.”
Consultation materials and feedback forms will also be available on the project website www.buchanoffshorewind.com from Monday 25 November to Friday 20 December 2024.