The UK leaving the European Union might delay the development of the Moray Firth offshore wind project in Scottish waters, Antonio Mexia, chief executive at Energias de Portugal (EDP), the company which is the owner and developer of the project, was reported by Reuters as saying.
The uncertainties brought about by the Brexit vote could add further complexities which would delay the company’s decision on the project and the launch of the tender, Mexia said.
However, EDP is still interested in further pursuing the project and the company is ready to wait and see what exact impact will Brexit have on the future of the project.
EDP is involved in renewable energy projects through EDP Renewables, which in turn owns Moray Offshore Renewables Limited (MORL).
In January 2010, MORL was awarded the right, under a farm leasing programme conducted by The Crown Estate, to develop offshore wind energy in Zone 1 of the Third Offshore Wind Licensing Round (UK Round 3).
MORL split the site into an eastern and western development area, and developed proposals for the eastern development area first, receiving consent from the Scottish Government for 1,116MW in 2014.
Consultation on proposals to develop the western development area was scheduled to open this month.