Protecting wildlife sites

Protecting sites in Scotland

Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm

Adult red-throated diver
Aberdeen Bay holds nationally important concentrations of red-throated divers.

A development consortium including AMEC, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City and others, collectively known as the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) has put forward a proposal to install 23 turbines in a grid formation 1 km offshore at the south end of Aberdeen Bay.

The shallow coastal waters from Aberdeen northwards are very rich in birds. They hold large numbers of sea ducks – mainly common scoters and eiders, with smaller numbers of velvet scoters and red-breasted mergansers. This area also holds nationally important concentrations of red-throated divers. 

This concentration of sea ducks and divers means that the area may qualify as a Special Protection Area, when forthcoming designations of offshore SPAs are made.

In addition, many thousands of birds from nearby coastal colonies such as Bullers of Buchan, the Ythan estuary and Fowlsheugh use the area at various times throughout the year.

A project of this scale in such an important area needs to be very rigorously assessed. RSPB Scotland has concerns that this location may not be appropriate due to the potential adverse impacts on birds. 

We believe there should be a full Environmental Impact Assessment and open consultation before a decision is made about the future of the project. 

The project should also be included in a strategic environmental assessment of wind power in Scottish waters. 

The application for planning consent is yet to be made.

Last modified: 22 July 2008

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