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The Project

MachairWind, located Northwest of Islay and West of Colonsay, will be SPR’s first offshore windfarm of its kind in Scottish waters. MachairWind’s offshore turbines will export their green electricity to the grid by a subsea cable that will connect to a substation in the vicinity of Girvan, South Ayrshire.

MachairWind submits its consent applications for the Windfarm Development Area (WDA) in 2026; it is anticipated a decision will be made by Scottish Government in 2027. MachairWind will continue to engage with stakeholders, communities, and potential supply chain partners over the coming months and years.

  • MachairWind
  • Iona
  • Ross of
    Mull
  • Colonsay
  • Jura
  • Islay
  • Oban
  • Greenock
  • Glasgow
  • Campbeltown
  • Ayr
MachairWind lies off the west coast of Scotland, north-west of Islay and west of Colonsay.
 

 

Project Characteristics 

  • Around 2 gigawatts
  • 91 to 144 turbines (Capacity 15MW to 24MW)
  • 53 Water depth
  • Fixed bottom foundations
  • 280m to 335m max blade tip height
  • Site area 448km

*Maximum blade tip height above Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)  

Viewpoints - Photomontages

 

MachairWind Interactive Map

 
 

Project timeline

  1. 2021 to 2023, completed

    Progressed with technical and environmental surveys, feasibility studies and community stakeholder engagement.

  2. 2022, completed

    MachairWind entered into its Option to Lease Agreement with Crown Estate Scotland.

  3. 2023 to 2024, completed

    First Site investigation campaign and one year metocean campaign completed.

  4. Jan 2025, completed

    Windfarm Development Area (WDA) Scoping Opinion received from Marine Directorate.

  5. July 2025, completed

    Second Site Investigation Survey of WDA completed.

  6. May to July, completed

    First round of pre-application consultation for WDA completed.

  7. Oct to Nov 2025, completed

    Second round of pre-application consultation for WDA completed.

  8. 2026, completed

    Consent applications submitted for the WDA.

  9. 2027, upcoming

    Consent decision for the WDA, whether accepted or rejected.

  10. Early to 2030s, upcoming

    Construction to start.

  11. Early to mid 2030s, upcoming

    First export of power from the windfarm anticipated. Community Benefit Fund will be live.