SSE Secures Grid Connection Consent for Berwick Bank Phase Three
Marine licence approval completes the grid connection requirements for the 4.1 GW offshore wind project.
1Finalizing Grid Connection Consents
SSE Renewables has officially received a marine licence from the UK’s Marine Management Organisation for its Berwick Bank C offshore wind farm. This critical approval for the Cambois Connection infrastructure finalizes the necessary regulatory consents for the project's grid connection, enabling the transmission of electricity from offshore sites to the national network.
2Technical Scope of Infrastructure
The approved Cambois Connection infrastructure will link the offshore wind farm to the national transmission network at Cambois, Northumberland. The scheme incorporates up to four high-voltage direct current export cables, providing a total transmission capacity of 1.8 GW. This infrastructure is essential for integrating the third phase of the massive project.
3Project Development Timeline
The Marine Management Organisation's decision follows the Scottish government's July 2025 approval for the broader 4.1 GW Berwick Bank project. Previously, the Northumberland County Council granted consent for the onshore transmission infrastructure, including the converter station and cable landfall, in November 2024. These milestones collectively clear the path for future construction phases.
4Scale and Energy Potential
Located 38 kilometres east of the Scottish Borders, the Berwick Bank development is structured into three phases of roughly equal size. Once fully operational, the entire 4.1 GW project is projected to generate sufficient electricity to power more than six million UK homes annually, representing a significant contribution to national renewable energy targets.
5Strategic Connection Points
The Berwick Bank project utilizes two distinct grid connection points to manage its large-scale output. One connection is located at Branxton in East Lothian, which received Scottish government consent in July 2025. The second connection point in Blyth is now fully permitted following the latest marine licence, ensuring robust connectivity for the third phase.
6Status of Phase B
SSE is currently advancing the 1.4 GW Berwick Bank B phase toward a final investment decision, anticipated in 2027. This phase previously secured a 20-year contract for difference in the UK’s Allocation Round 7 during January 2026. The company has already selected Seaway7 as the preferred supplier for foundations and inter-array cable installation.
7Future Competitive Outlook
While phase B progresses toward its investment decision, the remaining Berwick Bank phases, designated A and C, are expected to compete for government support in future contract for difference allocation rounds. These upcoming auctions will be pivotal in determining the financial viability and construction timelines for the final segments of the wind farm.
8Strategic Energy Impact
The completion of the permitting process for the Cambois Connection marks a major step in scaling UK offshore wind capacity. By securing these regulatory approvals, SSE Renewables mitigates significant project risk. The project remains a cornerstone of the regional energy strategy, aiming to bolster domestic power supply through large-scale, sustainable offshore infrastructure.