The 1GW Stromar offshore wind farm in Scotland has submitted EIA scoping and HRA screening reports to the Marine Directorate and Aberdeenshire Council.
The documents detail the potential environmental impacts of the project and the measures to mitigate them.
The Stromar offshore wind farm is being developed as a JV between Ørsted, BlueFloat Energy and Renantis.
The EIA scoping report addresses both onshore and offshore elements, showcasing the company's focus on environmental stewardship, community involvement and economic benefits for Scotland.
The HRA screening report identifies protected areas and species within the Stromar project's vicinity.
The documents lay the groundwork for more detailed impact assessments.
The project team is preparing to host community consultation events in the spring of 2024. These events aim to engage stakeholders, incorporate their feedback into the project's design and development and ensure transparency throughout the process.
Stromar offshore wind farm project director Nicholas Ritchie stated: “Submitting the scoping report signifies a major milestone on our journey towards delivering clean and renewable energy in Scotland.
“We are looking forward to working closely with local communities and all other stakeholders as Stromar progresses through the next stages of development, with a plan to contribute significantly to Scotland’s green energy landscape.”
To be situated 50km east of Wick, the 1GW project will supply clean energy to one million homes annually.
This is pivotal to achieving the net-zero targets set by the Scottish and UK governments. The project is also expected to generate employment, stimulate economic growth and strengthen the local supply chain.
In July 2021, Danish energy giant Ørsted partnered with Renantis (formerly Falck Renewables) and BlueFloat Energy to participate in the ScotWind leasing round.
It was followed by the three JV partners signing an option agreement with Crown Estate Scotland in April 2022, which included the development of the Stromar site.