Swedish renewable energy firm Vattenfall has confirmed that rather than pull out of the UK as a consequence of approaching Brexit they have actually chosen to expand and invest further in UK energy developments.
Speaking to Energy Voice at the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind Conference, Adam Ezzamel, Vattenfall’s project director for Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, has confirmed that it has big plans for the UK in the future, and Scotland in particular.
Asked whether Vattenfall is concerned about a Brexit looming, Ezzamel said: “No. Vattenfall is actually expanding its UK operations. We actually took the final investment decision on the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm about five weeks after the referendum decision. I think that underlines the long term commitment that Vattenfall has toward the UK.”
When asked specifically about Vattenfall’s long association with Scotland, Ezzamel was quick to point out how valued the relationship is, pointing to where they have chosen to invest and the areas where the firm will be looking to invest in future.
Mr Ezzamel said: “Vattenfall believes in Scotland. We’re currently constructing Scotland’s largest offshore test and demonstration facility. We have invested in offices in Edinburgh and we have our O&M facility which we’re investing in and locating in Aberdeen.
“Not only that, we have a number of onshore wind farm interests, the Edinbane wind farm on the Isle of Skye, the Clashindarroch wind farm near Huntly, in Aberdeenshire and we have plans to expand further in particularly the onshore market in Scotland.
“We will, of course, be studying the further opportunities offshore in subsequent leasing rounds and potential extensions. Scotland is a good place to do business for wind.”
Mr Ezzamel also stated how fit he felt his company was as traditional oil and gas companies such as Statoil, BP and Shell transition into the renewables marketplace.
Speaking specifically about Vattenfall’s place within the renewable energy sector, Ezzamel said: “I think it’s really exciting. Of course we welcome competition. That’s what’s driven the cost of energy so spectacularly in the last few years. That can only be good longterm news for the industry and we as key players already have more than a little bit of a head start. Vattenfall has been there from the start with our first offshore wind farm commissioned in 2002.
“We are old players, we have a massive amount of in-house knowledge and expertise. We welcome competition. We’re very well placed to prevail in that marketplace.”
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