A 12MW demonstration floating wind farm in Scotland has been granted planning consent.

The two turbine Dounreay Trì project, which will be located six kilometres off the Caithness coastline, is expected to power nearly 8,000 homes upon its completion in 2018.

It’s expected to support the creation of around 100 jobs during assembly, installation and through ongoing operations and maintenance activities.

The decision follows the recent approval of the Kincardine floating wind farm and last year’s consent of the Hywind pilot project.

In total, Scotland has now agreed planning permission for up to 92MW of floating offshore wind, enough to power nearly 60,000 households.

Scottish Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “Once operational, this demonstrator project will help to develop this pioneering technology and cement Scotland’s reputation at the forefront of innovation in the renewables sector.

“This not only highlights our commitment to exploring this innovative technology but offers real scope for the development of wind energy projects in deeper water, in Scotland and across the world.”

The oldest offshore wind farm in the world is being decommissioned after 25 years of service.