Approval for five offshore energy sites off Scotland

The projects will deliver 5GW of electricity

The Crown Estate has approved a further five offshore renewable energy sites in Scottish waters.

It said the projects had the potential to deliver 5GW of electricity between them.

The total capacity for projects awarded agreements for lease in Scottish waters is now nearly 10GW, which is in line with Scottish government targets.

Final consent for each development is controlled by the regulator, Marine Scotland.

The Crown Estate's Scottish commissioner Gareth Baird said: "The Crown Estate has already invested £16 million in offshore renewable energy in Scotland, and plans to invest another £20 million in the next five years, funding 'enabling actions' such as environmental studies and engagement work that help de-risk the projects and attract investment.

"We're very pleased to achieve this important milestone, and will continue to work closely with Scottish Government and developers to progress projects and attract investment, with the aim of helping meet Scotland's ambitious targets on renewable energy production."

Of the five new sites, two are off the west coast: Argyll Array, 5km (3mls) off Tiree, and Islay, which is located 13km (8mls) off the west coast of Islay.

The Inch Cape project is in the outer Firth of Tay, approximately 15km (10mls) off the Angus coast.

The Beatrice offshore wind farm will be in the Moray Firth, close to the Beatrice oil field.

The final project, Neart na Gaoithe, lies 15km (10mls) off the coast of Fife.

Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has an estimated quarter of Europe's offshore wind resource, making us the powerhouse of green energy in Europe. With this wealth of natural resources it is vital that we plan now to secure the benefits of this next energy revolution for future generations."