Plans for four large offshore wind farms in the Firth of Forth have had their planning consents restored after a decision from a Scottish court.

Together the schemes represent generating capacity of 2.3GW. One of the schemes, Neart Na Gaoithe (NNG), won a Contract for Difference in the government’s first CfD auction but has been on hold since the RSPB Scotland challenged its planning consent. Its developer, Mainstream Renewable Power, said the decision was a “major step forward”, but RSPB still has an option to appeal the judgement at the UK Supreme Court.

The original plans would have seen 125 turbines installed at NNG, 213  at Inch Cape, and two sets of 75 turbines at Seagreen Alpha and Bravo. During the consent process turbine numbers were changed to 75 at NNG, 110 at Inch Cape, and two sets of 75 turbines at Seagreen.

Full Court of sessions judgement

Read more:

Neart na Gaoithe retains CfD after arbitration ruling

Scottish Government ‘must act to reassure investors after wind farm decision’

Consents quashed for 2.3GW of Scottish offshore wind after RSPB challenge

From the archive: RSPB challenge adds to uncertainty for offshore wind farms seeking a CfD