SSE gets nod for 4.1-GW Berwick Bank’s connection in Northumberland

UK utility SSE Plc (LON:SSE) has secured outline planning permission from Northumberland County Council for the onshore transmission infrastructure and grid connection of its 4.1-GW Berwick Bank offshore wind project.

A large proportion of the project’s capacity will connect at Cambois near Blyth, Northumberland. Berwick Bank has a second connection point at Branxton in East Lothian which secured planning permission in December 2023.

The project is still waiting for approval of its Section 36 application by the Scottish government. The developer pointed out that the offshore application has been with the Scottish government for 23 months now and said the project is vital to UK and Scottish government 2030 targets.

Project director Alex Meredith said Northumberland County Council’s decision is a huge step forward. “This consent can be added to the approval of onshore infrastructure in East Lothian. Therefore we know we can plug in what will be the largest single offshore wind farm in the world.

“We now need Scottish Government to approve the Section 36 application and allow us to power it up.”

If approved, the project could participate in the next round of the UK’s renewable energy auctions, Allocation Round 7, after missing out on the previous round. SSE Renewables aims to make a final investment decision in 2026.

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