The Scottish Government has given the green light for a major offshore wind farm development in the Outer Moray Firth.
The two neighbouring projects – from Moray Offshore Renewables Limited and Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited – involve a total of 326 turbines, reports the BBC.
The Scottish government said the combined development off the Caithness coast would be the world’s third-largest offshore wind farm.
If constructed, the scheme would have more turbines than the 175-turbine London Array and could generate electricity for more than a million homes.
Work for up to 4,600 people could be created at the peak of the construction of the turbines, and the combined scheme would be worth up to £2.5 billion to the Scottish economy.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said the consents were subject to strict conditions, which include the need to monitor for impact on wildlife.
"Scotland has the potential to lead the development of an exciting, new renewables industry as offshore wind moves into deeper waters," he said. "Offshore renewables represent a huge opportunity for Scotland, an opportunity to build up new industries and to deliver on our ambitious renewable energy and carbon reduction targets."
