EIA Scoping Report submitted to planning authorities

In January 2023, MarramWind (a ScottishPower and Shell joint venture) submitted the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report for the proposed MarramWind project to Marine Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council – the respective planning authorities for the offshore and onshore elements of the proposed project.

The report aims to provide stakeholders with information on the project and takes a maximum design scenario approach. This means it comprehensively outlines all possible options being considered to develop the windfarm, covering both onshore and offshore design and construction. These options will be refined as the project progresses.

The report also sets out the proposed approach to the project's subsequent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), providing baseline data sources and methodologies, covering the potential effects on commercial fisheries, terrestrial ecology and ornithology, and socio-economics of the surrounding area.

This, along with our stakeholder consultation process, will enable a refined scope for the EIA and ensure it covers a comprehensive examination of the project’s possible environmental impacts, focuses on key issues and outlines engagement on the topics to be addressed with stakeholders.

Once fully commissioned, MarramWind could deliver up to 3 gigawatts of clean renewable energy. That’s enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 3.5 million homes.

Working collaboratively with local communities, businesses and stakeholders, MarramWind will ensure that maximum value is brought to Scotland and the UK from this development through supply chain growth, skills development and job creation.

The MarramWind Scoping Report and appendices can be downloaded here in our document library, or on the Marine Scotland website.