World’s largest offshore wind farm gets consent: comment

Commenting on the news that the Scottish Government has granted consent for SSE’s Berwick Bank offshore wind farm which, if fully delivered, would become the world’s largest offshore wind farm [1], Dr Simon Cran-McGreehin, Head of Analysis at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU)said: "UK-based renewables are helping to reduce our dependence on imported fuels as North Sea oil and gas fields continue their unavoidable decline, with figures out today showing that last year renewables supplied a record-breaking 50.4% of our electricity. [2] 

"The growth in UK wind and solar has meant that, whereas a decade ago two-thirds of the energy used for UK electricity generation was dependent on foreign fuels, that figure was just under half in 2024.

"If the 4GW Berwick Bank offshore wind farm is built, it could generate over one-and-a-half times much electricity each year than from gas that might be produced with new licences.  Assuming it secures a renewables Contract for Difference, it would also help to stabilise power prices against volatile international gas markets."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Green light for Berwick Bank paves way for world’s largest offshore wind farm: https://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2025/07/green-light-for-berwick-bank-paves-way-for-world-s-largest-offshore-wind-farm/ 

2. Digest of UK Energy Statistics Annual data for UK, 2024: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b52e67b28774ca0437f09/DUKES_2025_Chapters_1-7.pdf 

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net