SSE Renewables has submitted plans for what is described as the UK’s largest offshore wind farm to East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government for determination.

The Berwick Bank project, located off the East Lothian coast, is set to generate up to 4.1GW of power, which can power more than five million homes.

The project is based on fixed-bottom technology and aims to begin delivering the first energy in 2027.

Once completed, Berwick Bank is expected to help the Scottish Government achieve its target of 11GW of new offshore wind energy supply by 2030.

The project could create 4,650 direct and indirect jobs in Scotland, and 9,300 in the UK.

The company has also proposed measures that could boost vulnerable seabird populations in the North Sea.

Berwick Bank Project Director Alex Meredith said: “Berwick Bank is a win-win for the climate and nature. If we consent Berwick, Scotland will be leading the world in the delivery of offshore wind energy and we will provide a long-term solution to help Scotland’s iconic seabirds thrive.

“This is an opportunity we must progress rapidly.”