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Three projects, representing investment into ports, port infrastructure and manufacturing, have taken a step forward in a milestone for Scotland’s offshore wind sector, the Scottish government said on Wednesday.
At Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind Conference in Glasgow today, First Minister Humza Yousaf announced that the three projects, worth GBP 500 million (USD 636m/EUR 585m), have been invited to move to Stage 2 of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM) process. SIM is a collaborative framework with industry which promotes joint investment into offshore wind, supply chain and infrastructure.
The projects were not named at the current point due to commercial sensitivity.
Opening the conference, Humza Yousaf said: “There are moments when certain industries can stand confident that when they look ahead, they will see a future in which they play a pivotal role in securing the wealth and wellbeing of a nation – Scotland’s offshore industry is at that moment.
“Together, we can create the right conditions to attract investment, build the supply chain, recruit and deliver the infrastructure needed to ensure that these projects will thrive.”
SIM, developed by the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC), launched a first call for proposals from ports and top tier supply chain companies in May 2023, receiving 44 applications, of which 38 have completed Stage 1. An initial three projects are now moving into Stage 2.
“In Stage 2 the focus will be on how to support infrastructure and supply chain projects in Scotland. Offshore wind developers, Enterprise Agencies, Scottish Government, Scottish National Investment Bank and other interested parties, will work collaboratively to help these projects gain the confidence and backing they need to move ahead. In testing its approach with the three initial projects, the SIM will be looking to better understand how different means of support can be brought together to help projects reach final investment decision,” SOWEC says in an update today.
Meanwhile, in response to the First Minister’s speech, SSE Renewables said it backs the call to tackle the climate and nature crisis together and touted the benefits of its 4.1-GW Berwick Bank offshore wind project, which is awaiting consent.
“As a business we stand ready to deliver – supporting jobs, supply chain opportunities and the meeting of vital green energy targets. And, as we stand on edge of what could be the largest offshore wind auction ever, we have an opportunity for government and industry to reset, and for the sector to regain its momentum,” said Paul Cooley, Director of Offshore Wind, SSE Renewables.
(GBP 1 = USD 1.272/EUR 1.170)
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