ScottishPower Renewables has submitted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report for its inaugural fixed-bottom offshore wind project in Scottish waters, the 2GW MachairWind project. This milestone involves requesting a formal ‘Scoping Opinion' from the Scottish Government's offshore planning authority, Marine Directorate, and is crucial for the preparation of the EIA.
The scoping process will identify the environmental factors to be assessed and outline the methodology to be followed during the EIA, which will be integral to the MachairWind planning application expected to be filed in early 2026.
The report focuses on the wind farm development area located in the seabed northwest of Islay and west of Colonsay, which is projected to accommodate up to 147 wind turbines and associated foundations, along with the necessary cables. In response to early design considerations, ScottishPower Renewables has reduced the area of the project from 754 km² to 510 km², with the potential for further refinements as the project evolves.
The scoping report presents existing environmental information derived from publicly available data, site-specific surveys, and stakeholder feedback from organizations including Argyll & Bute Council, NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and commercial fisheries representatives.
Technical topics for assessment outlined in the report include seascape, landscape, and visual impact, as well as offshore ornithology, marine mammals, commercial fisheries, socio-economics, and shipping and navigation.
The Marine Directorate is expected to issue its formal Scoping Opinion in the upcoming year after engaging in detailed consultations with key stakeholders.
Kiera Wilson, MachairWind Development Lead at ScottishPower Renewables, emphasized the company's commitment to local engagement, stating, “We're committed to ensuring our project is shaped by local people, communities, and stakeholders and minimizes any potential impacts while maximizing benefits and opportunities across the Argyll and Bute region and the west of Scotland. We look forward to receiving feedback in due course and shaping our EIA and development proposals to ensure MachairWind does just that.”
