SSE showcases plans for Berwick Bank

A consultation has been opened demonstrating plans for one of the world’s largest offshore renewable projects, off the Northumberland coast.

The Berwick Bank project is being proposed by SSE Renewables and has the potential to deliver up to 4.1GW of clean renewable energy, powering up to five million homes.

This would include the construction of a 180km export cable from the site off the coast at East Lothian in Scotland, to Cambois near Blyth in Northumberland.

SSE said that the project, if approved, could create up to 9,000 UK jobs.

Residents of Cambois and the surrounding areas are being given the chance to attend a public consultation event at East Bedlington Community Centre from 1pm-7pm on Thursday 11 May.

This will provide the opportunity to ask any questions, meet members of the Berwick Bank team, and view early information regarding the project.

Gary Donlin, head of offshore stakeholder engagement at SSE Renewables, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for local residents to come along and find out more about Berwick Bank and the proposed Cambois connection, whilst also giving members of the SSE Renewables team the chance to fully engage with and talk first hand to those who may have any possible questions at this stage.

“We are still very much in the development and pre-planning phase, but if approved, this could become a trailblazing offshore site at the forefront of delivering the country’s net zero agenda.

“South East Northumberland has seen a remarkable transformation in terms of industry over the last decade plus, and is now a key location for renewable energy. Therefore, we’re very keen for everyone living locally who can attend the consultation event to do so.”

Any planning application is not expected to be submitted to Northumberland County Council until later in the year. SSE said there could be further engagement opportunities before that stage.

Further information is available at the project website.