SSE Renewables has defended its proposed 4.1 gigawatt (GW) Berwick Bank offshore wind project as essential to tackling climate change, amid calls from conservation groups for the Scottish Government to block the development over environmental concerns.
The project, located approximately 40 kilometres off the East Lothian coast, has faced opposition from a coalition of environmental organisations, including RSPB Scotland, the Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Seabird Centre, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The groups argue the scale and location of the development pose risks to seabird populations and nearby marine ecosystems.
Berwick Bank would be one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world if approved, covering a sea area four times the size of the City of Edinburgh. It is sited near important seabird habitats, including the Bass Rock and Isle of May, both designated for their ecological significance.
“Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is critical to ensuring we prevent the worst possible impacts of climate change which, according to the most recent expert assessment, is the biggest single threat to Scottish seabirds,” said Alex Meredith, project director for Berwick Bank. “Developing a world-leading offshore wind industry, with projects of the scale and ambition of Berwick Bank, is a key part of combatting the catastrophic consequences of that.”
Meredith added that delays to the project — which has been in the planning system for nearly 30 months — risk undermining both climate action and long-term protection for Scotland’s biodiversity. “We must move forward urgently with action and delivery for the climate and our iconic Scottish seabirds,” he said.
However, RSPB Scotland and its partners contend that approving the project in its current form could have the opposite effect. They warn it would set a dangerous precedent for future developments and could harm Scotland’s efforts to balance climate goals with nature conservation.
Scottish Ministers will make the final decision on whether the project can proceed, following consideration of environmental impact assessments and stakeholder input.
