How investing in communities can help deliver net zero
As we edge closer to net zero, we are championing the local communities that play a crucial role in the development of the UK’s largest proposed offshore wind farm Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm. Claire McGhie, civil engineer at SSE Renewables, tells us why local communities play such an important role in this transformative project.
The Berwick Bank community
Although the biggest part of the Berwick Bank project is the offshore wind infrastructure, a significant proportion of the project is onshore. If you look at a map of the proposed site (image linked) and where the onshore connections meet the substations, it looks like quite small part of the project. However, the map only tells us a fraction of what our work involves onshore. It is logistically challenging finding the correct solution for installing the cables in the ground so they do not disturb existing buildings, homes and schools, for example.
My main role is to connect windfarms to the national grid by connecting cables brought onshore to electricity substations. I work closely with local communities, landowners and other stakeholders to help find the best solution for where the connecting cables will be placed, with the least impact to the existing landscape.
Community connectivity
The substations are one of the main interfaces the public has with Berwick Bank, and local people living nearby in East Lothian and Northumberland will frequently see the machinery and equipment passing through small villages. We understand that this can have a huge impact to local communities, so it’s vital we find the best possible solution for all parties involved while we progress local consents.
I am currently working on the convertor substation in Blyth. The substation acts as a filter to convert the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbines into clean, green energy for the national grid. These are going to become more common, but Berwick Bank is one of the first projects to have this capability, and the community in Blyth will be the flagship location for this new, innovative connectivity.
As well as working on the new connection I am also collaborating with a local primary school near Blyth to help younger generations understand what Berwick Bank will mean for our energy future.
The UK is never going to go from coal power to 100% clean energy overnight, but Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm will be an important stepping stone to a green future. Without the substations, the energy generated through offshore will not reach the national grid, ultimately impacting our green energy supply.
Berwick Bank is the future
The Scottish government has set very ambitious net zero targets to reach by 2030, which are extremely challenging, especially taking into consideration that renewables is still a relatively new industry. We are working on an extremely complex project, but one where local communities remain at the heart.
Berwick Bank is an industry-leading project on many levels, and without it, Scotland will not be able to deliver net zero. Communities in Northumberland and East Lothian will be part of this ground-breaking green energy journey, and we are continuing to prioritise support to these communities throughout the green transition journey.
Claire McGhie
Civil engineer, SSE Renewables