The recently approved onshore infrastructure includes underground cabling and a substation, which will connect the offshore turbines to the National Grid. The application was backed by the local authority’s Infrastructure Services Committee following extensive consultation with local communities and stakeholders in Peterhead and Longside.

LUC played a key role in this project, acting as lead coordinator of the onshore Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). We also provided specialist support across multiple disciplines, including landscape, ecology, ornithology, GIS and visualisation.

Muir Mhòr is the first fully floating offshore wind project from the ScotWind leasing round to achieve onshore planning permission – a landmark achievement for both the project and the future of floating wind in the UK. A separate offshore consent application for the wind farm is currently under review by the Scottish Government.

If approved, the project is expected to deliver wide-reaching economic and community benefits, including:

• Significant job creation during construction, operation and maintenance
• A local supply chain boost worth millions
• A community benefit fund, shaped by priorities identified by local people
• Investment in skills development, starting in schools

A 50/50 joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and Vattenfall, Muir Mhòr is not only a renewable energy project, but a key part of the UK and Scottish Governments’ ambition to become global leaders in floating wind.

Fun fact: Muir Mhòr means “Great Sea” in Gaelic – a fitting name for a project of this scale and impact.