Developers behind the proposed 1-gigawatt Buchan Offshore Wind project off the northeast coast of Scotland have begun a third round of public consultations, as planning for the floating wind farm continues to advance.
The project, a joint venture between BayWa r.e., Elicio, and BW Ideol, is located approximately 75 kilometres northeast of Fraserburgh and could feature up to 70 turbines. Once operational, it is expected to generate enough electricity to power over one million homes, according to the development team.
“This is our third round of public consultation events, which commenced in 2023 and have enabled us to hear the views of local people across a range of topics including design, interaction with existing uses of the land and sea, and how the local area could benefit from the project,” said Ian Simms, head of consents for the Buchan Offshore Wind project.
Construction could begin as early as 2029, with the project aiming to deliver first power by 2033. The export cable is planned to make landfall south of Rattray Head, with underground cables transporting power to a new substation near the SSEN-operated Peterhead Substation for grid connection.
The consultation period will run from May 5 to May 30, with materials and feedback forms available both at local events and via the project website. The developers plan to submit an onshore planning application to Aberdeenshire Council later this year, followed by an offshore consent application to the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate during the summer.
In addition to engaging with the public, the project has completed offshore surveys and submitted scoping reports for both onshore and offshore components.
Beyond its energy ambitions, the Buchan Offshore Wind project is expected to bring significant economic impact, with an estimated £1.4 billion investment into the UK’s supply chain and the creation of around 2,800 jobs during peak construction, along with approximately 400 long-term operational roles.
The developers are also supporting a range of local community initiatives. These include funding STEM education programmes across 31 primary schools, supporting local football and wellness programmes through the Peterhead FC Community Foundation, and sponsoring cultural and environmental efforts such as beach clean-ups and the Peterhead Prison Museum.
