In a move that could reshape Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions, a coalition of nature charities has urged First Minister John Swinney to reverse the consent decision for SSE’s massive Berwick Bank offshore wind farm. The conservation groups, including RSPB Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, Scottish Wildlife Trust, National Trust for Scotland, and the Scottish Seabird Centre, have expressed grave concerns about the project’s potential impact on seabird populations.
The groups jointly wrote to Swinney, warning of “severe” and “damaging” impacts to Scottish seabird populations if the 4,100MW project is constructed. “We urge your government to reverse this damaging decision and protect the future of Scotland’s internationally important seabirds,” they stated. The charities emphasized their support for offshore wind growth but underscored that it “cannot be at any cost.”
The Berwick Bank project is proposed in critical feeding grounds for seabirds from iconic sites like the Bass Rock, the Isle of May, and St Abb’s Head. The groups argue that the project’s impacts could accelerate the decline of species like the Kittiwake, potentially leading to local or even national extinction.
The Scottish government granted planning approval to Berwick Bank in July, accompanied by an order for SSE to provide a detailed seabird compensation plan. However, RSPB Scotland contends that it would be “impossible” to compensate for the “unprecedented ecological devastation” the project could cause.
SSE Renewables, the developer behind the project, acknowledged concerns but emphasized the role of offshore wind in tackling climate change. “The biggest threat to Scotland’s seabirds is climate change, and Berwick Bank will help tackle this by displacing over eight million tonnes of carbon emissions each year,” an SSE spokesperson said. The company committed to working with stakeholders to deliver measures intended to fully compensate for the development’s predicted impacts.
A Scottish government spokesperson reiterated the importance of the area for wildlife and noted that the wind farm is subject to the developer producing a detailed seabird compensation plan for approval before any construction or operational activity can begin. The government pledged to continue working closely with the developer and key stakeholders to minimize the impact on the marine environment.
This development could significantly influence the trajectory of Scotland’s offshore wind sector. The tension between renewable energy goals and conservation efforts highlights the need for innovative solutions that balance ecological preservation with the urgent demand for clean energy. As the debate unfolds, it may prompt a reevaluation of how offshore wind projects are planned and executed, potentially leading to stricter environmental safeguards and more collaborative approaches between developers, governments, and conservation groups. The outcome could set a precedent for future offshore wind projects, not just in Scotland but globally.