The Project

Ayre Offshore Wind Farm is a proposed renewable energy development located approximately 21 kilometres off the east coast of Orkney. The project aims to generate clean, reliable electricity from offshore wind, supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system while contributing to long-term energy security.

Energy System & National Need

Ayre Offshore Wind Farm forms part of the UK’s wider strategy to decarbonise the energy system and strengthen energy security.

Renewable energy projects are developed in locations where natural resources, such as wind, are strongest. At the same time, grid connections are planned at a national level to ensure electricity can be transported efficiently across the network.

Electricity generated by the project will contribute to the integrated GB energy system, helping to meet demand across the country and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

What the Project Includes

The development of Ayre Offshore Wind Farm is expected to include several key components:

Offshore wind turbines on floating foundations located within the designated array area

Subsea export cables transmitting electricity to shore

Onshore infrastructure, including underground cabling and a substation to connect to the national grid

Supporting infrastructure required during construction and operation

All the onshore cabling will be underground, helping to minimise long-term visual and environmental effects

Project Development Process

Ayre Offshore Wind Farm is currently at an early stage of development. This includes:

  • Environmental and technical surveys
  • Engineering  design
  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Consents and Licensing

The project is progressing through a structured planning and consenting process, ensuring all environmental, technical, and community considerations are carefully assessed.

Planning consent has recently been granted for the onshore elements of the project, marking an important milestone and providing a strong foundation for the continued development of the offshore wind farm.

Further updates will be shared as the project progresses through the next stages of development.

Environmental Surveys and Assessments

Baseline environmental surveys were undertaken both onshore and offshore during the process of preparing the consent application submissions. This included surveys focussing on birds, marine mammals, seabed ecology, fish and shellfish, archaeology and shipping.

An Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitat Regulations Assessment were undertaken to accompany both the onshore and offshore consent submissions. Extensive consultation was undertaken with environmental stakeholders during this assessment and will continue throughout the
consenting process.