Scottish ministers have granted offshore consent for the 2GW West of Orkney offshore wind farm, marking a significant milestone for the project and Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions. The decision follows a favourable recommendation from the Marine Directorate licensing operations team, positioning West of Orkney as the first ScotWind scheme to secure both offshore consent and onshore planning permission.
The wind farm, developed by TotalEnergies, Corio, and RIDG, will deploy up to 125 turbines approximately 30km west of Orkney and 25km north of Sutherland. Project director Stuart Macauley highlighted the project’s potential, stating that it could power two million homes. He also emphasised the broader economic benefits, noting that construction would drive “significant investment” in supply chains, ports, harbours, and skilled jobs.
Macauley expressed gratitude to government officials, stakeholders, and suppliers for their collaborative efforts, stating, “The decision shows industry and government share a commitment to growing offshore wind in Scotland.” However, he also underscored the need for clarity on transmission charges, market reform, and future Contracts for Difference (CfD) rules to secure investor commitment.
The Highland Council granted in-principle consent for the underground export cables and substation in June 2024, and in March 2025, the council indicated no objections to the offshore application lodged with Scottish ministers. The developers conducted surveys for the marine licence and Electricity Act submission over more than two and a half years.
Beyond the project’s immediate scope, the developers have launched several regional initiatives, including a £1 million R&D programme led by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), a £900,000 education drive run by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), and a £125,000 Fit 4 Renewables scheme with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
The 2GW project, awarded a ScotWind lease in 2022, aims to deliver first power later this decade. This development could shape the sector by demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale offshore wind projects and their potential to drive economic growth and innovation. The project’s success may also influence future policy decisions and investor confidence in Scotland’s offshore wind sector.