Thistle Wind Partners has submitted a planning application to the Highland Council for the onshore infrastructure associated with its 1GW Ayre floating wind farm off Caithness and Orkney.
The local authority’s consultation on the plans will run from 29 August to 28 September.
TWP’s Ayre project director Ewan Walker (pictured) said: “This marks the first major milestone in the project’s development timeline. By harnessing the expertise of our partners, investors and supply chain, we’re laying the foundation to deliver this important project efficiently and responsibly.
“We are deeply committed to supporting the rural communities near landfall and, just last month, launched a new community donations scheme to support local groups impacted by onshore infrastructure.”
“This is about creating a lasting, positive legacy for Caithness, Orkney and Scotland’s energy future,” he added.
The ScotWind project is expected to come online in 2033 following a three-year build-out.
TWP (comprising DEME Concessions, Qair and Aspiravi) is also developing the 1GW Bowdun fixed-bottom wind farm 44km off Aberdeenshire.