What is ScotWind?
ScotWind was the first round of offshore wind leasing rounds in Scottish waters for a decade. It resulted in 20 projects securing seabed option agreements (totalling up to 27.6 GW). Please visit ScotWind leasing round - Offshore Wind - Scotland's property – Crown Estate Scotland for more information.
Who is Iberdrola?
ScottishPower Renewables is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world’s largest utilities and a leading wind energy producer. SPR is responsible for progressing Iberdrola’s renewable energy projects in the UK, including managing the development, construction, and operation of offshore windfarms.
Iberdrola has been the leader in electrification for 25 years, combining disciplined execution with long-term commitment to deliver increased shareholder value. SPR is continuing on this path through our focus on network investments in the US and the UK, using the proceeds from fossil fuel divestments to accelerate growth in both markets.
What are the timscales for the project?
For up-to-date information regarding project timescales please visit our project page.
We are still at an early stage of developing MachairWind and there are various factors that will determine the timescales within which the project can be delivered. That said, based on our current project timeline, we are hoping to secure consent around mid-2020s with a view to then starting construction in the mid-to-late 2020's. Thus, we currently expect that the windfarm could be operational and producing power by the early 2030s.
The typical lifespan of a project is 25 years. Assuming that we are successful in securing planning consent and delivering the MachairWind project – then as a responsible developer, we will endeavour to decommission the project in a way which protects the environment and minimises waste.
Where will the operation and maintenance base be located?
The project is still in the very early stages of development, so we have not made any decisions yet about where the operation and maintenance (O&M) base will be located. The MachairWind Team has commissioned a third-party specialist to carry out a port feasibility study to help us identify which proximate port facilities will be most suitable for operation and maintenance phase of the MachairWind project, and which will be most suitable port for us to use during the project’s construction phase.
Can my business get involved in supporting the delivery of the project?
Yes, if you think your business could provide services to support the delivery of the project, please register on our Supply Chain Database. You can also contact the supply chain team on: SPRoffshoresupplychain@scottishpower.com.
Where will the project be located?
The proposed offshore windfarm, MachairWind, will be developed northwest of Islay and west of Colonsay, approximately 12km off Colonsay and 15km off Islay. We anticipate the site will be refined further as our understanding of the site progresses; this refinement will be informed by a number of factors such as stakeholder feedback, environmental considerations and construction and operational requirements.
Will we be able to see the windfarm?
Due to the Project being located 12km, or 6.5 nautical miles from shore at its closest point, the windfarm will be visible. Effects on seascape, landscape and views, and other key constraints, will be considered to minimise potential effects where possible. We welcome you to view our photomontages of the windfarm from 14 local viewpoints. You can view these photomontages at our in-person events or online via our Virtual Consultation Room on the Public Consultation page.
What impact will the windfarm have on fishing in the area?
Fishing is a vital part of life for communities on the islands. We are acutely aware of protecting livelihoods and firmly believe we can co-exist with fishers. We have undertaken several survey campaigns at the array site so far and have cooperation agreements in place with fishers who have demonstrated, in line with Fishing Liaison with Offshore Wind and Wet Renewables Group (FLOWW) guidance, that they fish in the area.
MachairWind’s turbines will be fixed to the seabed and spaced out across the Wind Farm Development Area. This means that fishing activity will still be possible in and around the turbines once the project is operational.
What are your plans for future consultation with the public?
After the first consultation period, where we will be holding six public consultation events, a second round of public consultation events will be held, and these are scheduled to take place later in the year (Autumn 2025). The purpose of these public consultation events is to provide an update on how we have considered all feedback received from this first round of consultation and to give more of an understanding about what the final Windfarm Development Area consent application will look like.
Will the project establish a Community Benefit Fund?
Yes, over the coming months and years, we will work closely with local communities and stakeholders to determine how the Community Benefit Fund will be structured and delivered. We take pride in being a positive and productive part of the communities near our windfarms and we want these communities to benefit from a future powered by renewable energy.
MachairWind is committed to working alongside communities to deliver community benefits which align with our commitment to sustainability and meet local needs and aspirations. In our experience, we recognise that there is not a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to defining community benefit. The most effective community benefit schemes are the ones which are closely aligned with community action planning goals. This enables communities to highlight their own priorities for funding which align with their local strategic environmental, social and economic goals as defined by the communities themselves.