Plans to create a wind farm near the Bell Rock off the coast of Arbroath have been abandoned.
Angus MP Mike Weir has expressed his disappointment at the news that the consortium led by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) will not proceed with the development because of difficulties with radar.
Mr Weir said, “The development had a huge potential for creating employment in the area and I am deeply disappointed that the project is not to proceed.
“I understand that they have encountered insurmountable difficulties with radar that prevents the development.”
An SSE spokesperson said, “Following further site investigation and engagement with stakeholders in relation to the Bell Rock offshore wind farm, 10km from the Angus coastline, a decision has been reached not to take the development any further.
“Bell Rock was being developed by SSE Renewables, the renewable development division of SSE, and Fluor Limited, the UK operating arm of Fluor Corporation.
“The two companies took the decision following further assessment of existing and ongoing provision of radar services in the area for which mitigation has been examined and no solution found.”
A Bell Rock partners spokesperson said, “Both SSE and Fluor remain strongly committed to developing offshore wind in the UK and are disappointed that our site investigations at Bell Rock have led us to conclude that the site is not suitable.
“However, we continue to work closely on our Round Three Zone, outside territorial waters in the Firth of Forth, and look forward to submitting a number of applications for consent to develop the zone over the next few years.”Seagreen hopeRob Hastings, director of the Marine Estate at the Crown Estate, said, “The Crown Estate acknowledges that SSE Renewables and their joint venture partner Fluor Ltd have made a decision not to take development of the Bell Rock offshore wind farm any further due to radar activity in the area.
“The Crown Estate is fully committed to the programme of offshore wind farm development in Scotland, working closely with developers, the Scottish Government and stakeholders to deliver Scotland’s renewable energy targets.”
Mr Weir said he hoped that a similar proposal for another offshore wind farm in the area would go ahead.
He said, “I understand that the consortium will be continuing with the Seagreen development a further 10km out to sea which does not face the same problems.
“Scotland has the potential to be a world leader in renewable energy and it is vital that we develop offshore wind.”
He added, “This decision illustrates, however, the competing interests that exist offshore.
“I know that work continues on various issues relating to radar and I hope that we may yet see a development at Bell Rock.”
The Bell Rock development had the potential to power 750,000 homes with 140 turbines covering an area of 93 square kilometres.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user phault.