Industry report identifies Scotland’s key locations for offshore wind suppliers

A new report published today has outlined how Scotland can capitalise on its offshore wind and tidal resources to develop a sustainable and long term industry for the future.

Scotland’s National Renewable Infrastructure Plan has identified a range of sites which offer the potential to help Scotland become an established location for offshore wind turbine manufacturing and construction operations.  

The report highlights that investment in these locations over the next five years is key to growing a globally competitive renewable energy sector in Scotland and ensure other parts of the country can benefit in the longer term.

Investment in these sites  will ensure renewable energy companies already operating in Scotland have access to a high quality and competitive business environment  to help them expand as well as attract new inward investment to Scotland.

The plan, led by Scottish Enterprise (SE) with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is the first phase of the development of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan.

Adrian Gillespie, Senior Director of Scottish Enterprise’s Energy team, said:

“Scotland is already leading the way in setting targets for carbon reduction and we have world-leading capabilities within our existing renewables sector. Areas like Aberdeen and Fife already have excellent facilities and we are seeing new investment proposals being developed in a range of other sites across Scotland. 

“The further development of a first phase of locations is critical to Scotland establishing itself as a leading location for manufacturing and assembling wind turbines and marine devices.  Over time, the industry will offer significant opportunities for the whole of Scotland.

“Investing in these sites will provide companies and investors in offshore wind with suitable locations to base themselves to develop, service and support the opportunities that will be created in Scottish and UK Water for renewable energy. The sheer scale of Scotland’s economic opportunity means we have to work quickly with our partners to develop the next stage of the plan, which will examine private and public sector investment opportunities.”

The Scottish Government has identified the renewable energy sector as key to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth. The Crown Estate’s UK offshore wind leases, many of which are off the coast of Scotland, are the strong focus of international attention from the renewable energy sector. 

The Crown Estate leases will see around 7000 offshore turbines installed around the UK coast over the next seven to10 years.  It is estimated that total capital expenditure for offshore wind projects in Scottish territorial waters alone is around £15 billion to £18 billion in the next ten years.

The sites that have been identified for as potential locations for a first phase of staged investment are:

• Leith
• Dundee
• Nigg
• Energy Park Fife at Methil
• Hunterston
• Aberdeen
• Arnish
• Campbeltown/Machrihanish
• Ardesier
• Kishorn
• Peterhead

Other locations in Scotland will also develop as the industry grows.  SE and HIE worked in partnership with the industry to develop the infrastructure plan, including ongoing engagement with port owners and operators, local authorities, energy companies and industry groups.

Calum Davidson, Head of Key Sectors with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) said: "This report underlines Scotland's intention to be at the forefront of this emerging industry. The fabrication opportunities of offshore wind have the potential to match the boom years of oil and gas in the 70s and 80s, if we can capture the manufacturing opportunities for Scotland.

"Each of the five sites identified in the Highlands and Islands possesses significant natural and infrastructural assets. Renewables manufacturing is already underway at Nigg, Campbeltown and Arnish. We look forward to working with partner agencies, developers and community representatives to further explore the opportunities for reinvigoration of facilities at Ardersier and Kishorn, both of which have a history of successful fabrication in the energy sector.”

"Industry operators will also be encouraged to note that coastal locations in Kintyre, Shetland and the Western Isles are prompting interest from tidal and wave developers, while the immediate port infrastructure need is clearly focused in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters."

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Scotland is globally recognised as a leading centre for marine energy and the offshore wind industry will invest around £20 billion in Scottish waters over the next 10 years. We have massive opportunities to build strong, vibrant industries throughout the supply chain and that's why we are taking a national approach to infrastructure to maximise the economic benefits from renewables. The stage 1 National Renewables Infrastructure Plan report is very welcome and I will look to see rapid progress on implementation."

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