Destined to be among the first commercial-scale floating offshore windfarms anywhere in the world, MarramWind (3GW) and CampionWind (2GW) – off the east and north-east coasts of Scotland – will have the potential to power up to six million homes.

The signing of the agreements marks an important step towards delivering the ScotWind projects and a clean energy future.

Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower’s offshore wind director for the UK and Ireland, said: “Offshore wind is exactly what’s needed to get more clean, green homegrown electricity on to the grid, so we can reduce our dependency on gas and reach net zero. The signing of our ScotWind option agreements also gives us the green light to push on with our ambitions to deliver jobs and investment for local people, businesses and the supply chain across the country – creating a new global industry from right here in Scotland. It’s a really exciting time.”

Hessel de Jong, Shell general manager Europe for offshore wind, added: “Having signed option agreements with Crown Estate Scotland, a top priority is how the planning phase can be streamlined as much as possible to accelerate the delivery of 5GW of floating offshore wind power. This is another step in helping to provide more, cleaner power to homes and businesses.”