The Muir Mhòr floating offshore wind farm has secured a key planning approval after Aberdeenshire Council granted consent for its onshore infrastructure.
The council’s Infrastructure Services Committee voted in favour of the plans, which cover underground cabling and a substation connecting the project to the National Grid.
Muir Mhòr is the first fully floating wind project from the ScotWind leasing round to obtain onshore consent.
A separate offshore consent application, submitted in late 2024, remains under consideration by the Scottish Government.
Once operational, the 1GW wind farm will supply power to up to 1.2 million homes, supporting the UK’s clean energy targets and enhancing energy security.
The project, a 50/50 joint venture between Fred Olsen Seawind and Vattenfall, is due to start generating power in the early 2030s, subject to final approvals.
Project director David Hinshelwood said: “The granting of onshore planning consent is a very important moment for our project, and we are delighted that Aberdeenshire Council has decided to give the go-ahead.
“Our submission followed a long period of consultation where we listened carefully to those impacted by our development, took on board their feedback, and made adjustments.”
Hinshelwood added that Muir Mhòr is “leading the way to a clean energy future,” and supports Scotland and the UK’s ambition to be global leaders in floating wind.
Onshore consents manager Rachel Baird said: “Throughout the process we have sought to be as transparent as possible about our plans… because we understand the importance of listening to local communities.”
The project, located 63km off the coast of Peterhead, will create jobs during construction and operation, support the Scottish supply chain, and include a community benefit fund.
It also aims to boost local skills from school age upwards, as part of wider commitments to workforce development.