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The Scottish government has granted approval for one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, known as the Berwick Bank project. Despite concerns raised by conservationists regarding the potential impact on seabirds in the area, developers SSE Renewables are planning to position up to 307 turbines 23 miles off the east coast in the North Sea. The project has the capacity to generate an amount of electricity that could meet the annual energy needs of every household in Scotland twice over.
Conservation groups had urged against approving the scheme due to the anticipated negative effects on seabird populations in the region, with one group calling it a “very dark day for seabirds.” However, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes emphasized that the decision was made after thorough consideration. The Scottish government’s approval is contingent upon the development company producing a detailed seabird compensation plan that outlines how any adverse impacts will be addressed and mitigated.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hailed the approval as a significant step towards reaching offshore wind targets by 2030 and boosting clean energy production. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray emphasized the potential of the project to contribute to the UK government’s clean energy goals and create employment opportunities in Scotland. Despite the positive outlook from officials, Scottish Conservative net zero and energy spokesman Douglas Lumsden cautioned that wind power alone might not be sufficient for providing affordable and secure energy in Scotland.
Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, expressed deep concern over the decision, labeling it a “very dark day for seabirds” and warning about potentially dire consequences for Scotland’s seabird populations. She stressed the importance of locating offshore wind projects in appropriate areas to minimize ecological impacts. The National Trust for Scotland’s Diarmid Hearns echoed these sentiments, describing the decision as “deeply disappointing” and raising fears of harm to seabird colonies in the St Abb’s Head national nature reserve
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