SSE has selected Montrose Port in Angus as the preferred operations and maintenance (O&M) base for its 1.4 GW Berwick Bank B offshore wind farm, with the project expected to create 100 full-time jobs.
The new roles will include technicians and engineers responsible for the day-to-day operation of Berwick Bank B throughout its expected operational life of more than 35 years. Around 30 construction jobs will also be supported as Montrose Port Authority’s existing offices are redeveloped for the new O&M base.
Berwick Bank B is the second phase of SSE Renewables’ wider 4.1 GW Berwick Bank offshore wind project in the outer Firth of Forth. The 1.4 GW phase secured a contract for difference (CfD) in the UK’s Allocation Round 7 earlier this year, and SSE is progressing the project towards a final investment decision expected in 2027.
If all three phases of Berwick Bank are delivered, the 4.1 GW project could become the world’s largest offshore wind farm. SSE says it could generate enough electricity to supply around 6.5 million UK homes annually and meet more than 6 per cent of current UK electricity demand. The Berwick Bank A and C phases are expected to be eligible to participate in the AR8 CfD allocation round.
The selection of Montrose builds on SSE’s existing relationship with the port, which already serves as the O&M base for the 1.1 GW Seagreen offshore wind farm, the developer said on 28 September.
Montrose has also been selected as the O&M base for the 1.1 GW Inch Cape offshore wind farm.
The Berwick Bank B base will be located at Montrose Port’s South Harbour. SSE said the total number of full-time operational roles linked to Berwick Bank at the port could eventually reach almost 300 if the project’s remaining A and C phases secure support through future CfD auctions and reach final investment decisions (FIDs).