The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland submitted its consultation response to the Dounreay Trì Floating Wind Demonstration project on 30 November.
Charles Nathan , Marine Conservation Planner at RSPB Scotland said: “RSPB Scotland has written to Marine Scotland in support of the ambitious Dounreay Trì floating wind demonstration project. Our own research has shown the vast opportunity that floating wind technology could play in harnessing the renewable energy from our seas and this project is an important first step to realising this potential.”
“From our view, the benefit of floating devices is they can be located further offshore in deeper waters in areas which could present lower risks to marine wildlife, such as seabirds. As a result we anticipate that deep-water floating renewables could be delivered without undue risks to Scotland’s most precious natural marine sites and species.”
“Whilst Dounreay Trì is by necessity located nearer to shore, it is small scale and away from areas where other factors are causing significant concern for seabirds. We have, however, requested that a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme is implemented should the project secure consent, which will help us better understand how floating wind developments affect birds, other wildlife and the marine environment. We look forward to hearing of the progress of this application.”
In October, Hexicon submitted an application to the Scottish Government, seeking a license to construct and operate its Dounreay Trì Floating Wind Demonstration Project.
Representations identifying the proposal and specifying grounds for objection or support should have been submitted until 30 November, although Scottish Ministers may take into consideration representations received after this date as well.
The Dounreay Trì project, located approximately 6km off Dounreay, will consist of a semi-submersible platform fitted with two wind turbines and have a total capacity of between 8MW and 12MW.