Scotland’s next wind farm could kill tens of thousands of seabirds, says the RSPB.

The Scottish government has given the go-ahead for a company called SSE Renewables to build one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

The project, called Berwick Bank, may see 307 turbines measuring 355 metres high installed off the coast near St Abbs. These turbines could generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of every house in Scotland twice over.

New wind farms are usually good news for the planet. Unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) the Earth never runs out of wind, which makes it a renewable, clean source of energy.

However, five charities, led by RSPB Scotland, fought against this new wind farm. It will be built 23 miles (38km) from Bass Rock, home to the biggest colony of northern gannets in the world.

RSPB Scotland says that the wind farm puts them at risk, as well as birds such as kittiwakes and puffins. Anne McCall of RSPB Scotland, called it “a very dark day for seabirds,” adding that “RSPB Scotland recognises climate change is one of the biggest threats to seabirds, but there needs to be seabirds left to save.”

The Scottish government, though, defended its decision and said it has told SSE Renewables that it needs to explain how it would make up for any impact the farm has on the seabird population.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the wind farm is “a major step in Scotland’s progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis.”