Work is expected to start next year on a major offshore wind farm in the Firth of Forth, after RSPB Scotland was denied permission to appeal an earlier go-ahead.

Developer Mainstream Renewable Power welcomed a decision by the Court of Session on the 450MW Neart na Gaoithe wind farm, which supports a planning decision by Scottish ministers and clears the way to proceed with construction.

Andy Kinsella, chief operating officer, said; “After more than two years and two court hearings, we hope that the RSPB acknowledges a fair hearing and allows us to get on with delivering the very significant benefits this project brings to the Scottish economy and its environment.

“We have taken advantage of significant advances in the technology to be used allowing the number of turbines to be reduced from the 125 in the original consent application in 2012, to a maximum of 64.”

Further reading:

Court ruling reinstates consent for 2.3GW of offshore wind

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