HIGHLAND councillors have helped pave the way for the world’s largest offshore wind farm development.
They agreed to raise no objections to a consultation by the Scottish Government (Marine Scotland) on the application by Moray Offshore Renewables for three farms and associated electricity transmission works in the Outer Moray Firth.
It’s believed the scheme could include as many as 339 turbines and support more than 2,600 jobs to build the initial infrastructure.
The application was submitted under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and although The Highland Council is not the determining authority, it is an important consultee. While it raised no objections its stance was subject to a number of conditions, including one ensuring that the local fishing interests be represented on a planned liaison group.
The proposal is for adjacent farms with an output of 1500MW sited 22kms from the Caithness coastline.
