Bowdun Offshore Wind Farm has submitted plans for the onshore elements of its project in north-east Scotland, developer Thistle Wind Partners said on Monday.
The planning permission in principle application to Aberdeenshire Council covers the proposed landfall near Benholm, an underground cable corridor, an onshore substation and a grid connection point at the planned Hurlie substation in Fetteresso Forest, the company said.
According to the developer, the filing follows a detailed optioneering process, an Environmental Impact Assessment and public consultations with local communities and other stakeholders.
The move comes after a decision earlier in the month to locate an operations and maintenance base in the region, an investment expected to generate £360 million in spending and create about 60 long-term jobs.
Once operational, the offshore wind farm is expected to supply electricity to more than one million homes. Offshore consent submission is scheduled for 2026.
Ian Taylor, Bowdun project director, said the submission marks meaningful progress for the development. “Submitting our onshore application is a significant step forward for Bowdun and the region,” he said. He added that the plans were shaped through engagement with local communities to ensure they are “responsible, clearly explained and designed to bring long-term benefits to the North East.”
Taylor also said: “With our O&M investment and our award-winning supply chain programme, Bowdun aims to anchor new jobs, skills and opportunity in the region as Scotland accelerates its clean energy transition.”
Bowdun’s Supply Chain Pathways Programme is intended to help Scottish companies, including oil and gas specialists, diversify into offshore wind. Partner DEME Offshore is supporting efforts to pre-qualify local firms, with around 60 companies involved so far, the developer said.
