Renewable energy developments in Levenmouth took a step forward when it was confirmed offshore wind turbines are to be tested in the Forth.
The Crown Estate has given Dutch firm 2-B energy the go-ahead to trial two offshore turbines at Methil Offshore Wind Farm.
Permission was granted for four offshore technology demonstration sites across the UK as part of a major investment in finding more environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuel consumption.
Aberdeen Bay is the other Scottish site, where Aberdeen Offshore Wind Ltd will test 11 turbines.
In England, demonstration sites are to be located at Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm in the Thames Estuary and Blyth Offshore Wind Farm in Northumberland.
The sites will explore the technical and cost challenges of harnessing wind energy.
WWF Scotland’s climate change policy officer Dr Sam Gardner said, “It is great news that two sites in Scotland have been chosen to demonstrate new offshore wind technology.
“Given the huge renewable resource available around our coast and strong skills in offshore engineering, marine energy offers a fantastic opportunity for Scotland to create jobs, pioneer new technology and generate green electricity.
“This new turbine technology offers an exciting opportunity to make a step change in the generation of renewable electricity from Scottish waters. Advances in renewable technology are to be expected in such a dynamic and new energy sector.
“This only serves to confirm that we do not need new coal-fired power stations, such as that proposed at Hunterston, to meet out electricity needs.”
Rob Hastings, director of marine estate at the Crown Estate, said, “Technical innovation is essential to cutting offshore wind costs.
“Awarding the four demonstration sites supports the growing UK offshore wind industry’s efforts to demonstrate new offshore wind turbines and other technologies in the marine environment.
“We are pleased that this is another positive step to help further grow the UK’s capacity for secure offshore wind energy.”
The Labour energy spokesman Lewis Macdonald MSP, who represents Aberdeen Central, urged the Scottish Government to ensure the wind energy projects are not delayed.
He said, “These agreements by the Crown Estate to allow further progress with these projects are very welcome.
“The European Offshore Wind Development Centre has the potential to enable Aberdeen to move from oil capital of Europe to a very similar role in offshore wind. The Methil Offshore Wind Farm reflects the importance of Methil in the fabrication of towers for the offshore wind industry right round the British coast.
“It will now be up to the Scottish Government to make early progress with the strategic environmental assessments required to bring those projects to fruition.
“Since the SNP took office, 40% of new offshore wind developments determined by Scottish ministers have been turned down. Aberdeen, Fife and the rest of Scotland will hope for a more positive approach to offshore wind.”
Scottish energy minister Jim Mather said the Labour MSP had “got his facts entirely wrong.” He said, “No offshore wind projects have been refused consent as there have been no such applications since 2007.
“By contrast, we have determined 41 energy applications, including approval for 34 renewable and two non-renewable projects since May 2007-more than double the number of determinations than over the whole of the previous four years.
“We are working to maximise the huge benefits that offshore wind can bring to Scotland.”
Photo courtesy of Stewart Lloyd-Jones.