The Muir Mhòr floating offshore wind project has received a key planning approval after Aberdeenshire Council granted consent for the development of its onshore infrastructure.
The decision, made by the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, covers plans for underground cabling and a substation that will connect the 1-gigawatt wind farm to the National Grid. It marks the first onshore consent granted to a fully floating wind project within the ScotWind leasing round.
An offshore consent application submitted in late 2024 remains under review by the Scottish Government. Subject to final approvals, the project is expected to begin generating electricity in the early 2030s.
Muir Mhòr is a 50-50 joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and Vattenfall. Once operational, it is projected to provide enough electricity to power up to 1.2 million homes.
“The granting of onshore planning consent is a very important moment for our project, and we are delighted that Aberdeenshire Council has decided to give the go-ahead,” project director David Hinshelwood said. “Our submission followed a long period of consultation where we listened carefully to those impacted by our development, took on board their feedback, and made adjustments.”
The wind farm, located approximately 63 kilometers off the coast of Peterhead, is expected to contribute to job creation during both construction and operation phases. It also includes a community benefit fund and initiatives to strengthen the local supply chain.
Onshore consents manager Rachel Baird said the project team had prioritized open engagement: “Throughout the process we have sought to be as transparent as possible about our plans… because we understand the importance of listening to local communities.
In addition to energy generation, the project aims to support workforce development, including skills training for young people.
