RSPB Scotland supports offshore floating wind project

“RSPB Scotland has written to Marine Scotland in support of the ambitious Dounreay Tri floating wind demonstration project. Our own research has shown the vast opportunity that floating wind technology could play in harnessing the renewable energy from our seas and this project is an important first step to realising this potential.

“From our view, the benefit of floating devices is they can be located further offshore in deeper waters in areas which could present lower risks to marine wildlife, such as seabirds. As a result we anticipate that deep-water floating renewables could be delivered without undue risks to Scotland’s most precious natural marine sites and species.

“Whilst Dounreay Tri is by necessity located nearer to shore, it is small scale and away from areas where other factors are causing significant concern for seabirds. We have, however, requested that a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme is implemented should the project secure consent, which will help us better understand how floating wind developments affect birds, other wildlife and the marine environment. We look forward to hearing of the progress of this application.”