Prince Charles officially opens Beatrice offshore wind farm
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The world’s fourth largest offshore wind farm – and Scotland’s biggest – has been officially opened by Prince Charles today.
Situated off the coast just north east of Helmsdale, Beatrice’s 84 turbines will generate 588MW of energy – enough to power 450,000 homes every year – and save around eight million tonnes of harmful carbon emissions over its expected 25-year lifetime operation, playing a crucial role in the UK’s efforts to combat climate change.
The £2.5bn Beatrice project is the largest ever single private investment in Scotland and was developed by Scottish-headquartered energy firm, SSE Renewables with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Red Rock Power Ltd.
Construction of the wind farm, Scotland’s single largest source of renewable energy, has provided a £2.4bn economic boost to the UK, of which £1bn went directly to Scotland.
One of those attending was local MP Jamie Stone. He said: “It was a real thrill to be out there beside the turbines on opening day. They are the shape of the future.
“This construction can generate huge amounts of energy and will provide a real boost to the far north.
“We must continue to invest in clean, green and renewable energy and it’s fantastic to see Scotland leading the way.”
Jim Smith, managing director of SSE Renewables said: “We’re incredibly privileged and honoured to welcome His Royal Highness to Wick today to perform the official opening of Scotland’s largest wind farm.
“Today is about celebrating the hard work, innovation, drive and collaboration of thousands of people from across Scotland, the UK and further afield who all played their part in building Beatrice.
“We’re incredibly proud it’s been delivered on time and under budget, even when dealing with the challenges the North Sea and deep waters bring. We’re especially proud of the significant positive impact Beatrice has already made to the communities of the far north and which will last for decades to come.
“The UK has the biggest offshore wind industry in the world and this world-class offshore project paves the way for future development in Scotland and the UK to help decarbonise our economy while boosting jobs and growth.”
Beatrice first started development 10 years ago with construction taking just over two years.
Prince Charles also officially opened the Beatrice operations and maintenance base in Wick which has seen a £20m investment in its harbour front, including the sympathetic renovation of two, 200-year-old buildings originally designed by renowned Scottish architect Thomas Telford.
SSE Renewables will operate the project, which will support up to 90 long-term jobs – from offshore technicians to office administrators – with the majority based in the rural community of Wick.
Beatrice will also benefit the local community to the tune of £34m over the lifetime of the wind farm. Two Beatrice Community Benefit funds, totalling £6m, have been established to deliver sustainable investment in the local community including coastal towns and villages as well as the wider Highland and Moray areas. Beatrice has paid a further £28m into a Coastal Community Fund, which will be delivered by the Scottish Government.
