UK government plans to boost investment in renewables creates “greater certainty” for Aberdeen companies, according to an industry body.
Earlier this week Westminster announced Contracts for Difference auctions will be held biannually.
The initiative started in 2014 to allow renewable firms to bid for contracts to power up to four million homes.
Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) believes this will create greater certainty for the supply chain in north-east Scotland.
Chairwoman Jean Morrison said: “The north-east of Scotland has established itself as a leader in renewable energy and these new plans creates greater certainty for the local supply chain.
“The assurance of auctions every two years for the next decade will assist companies of all sizes to better plan an entry to the offshore wind market.
“We’ve seen the impact that CfD contracts have had on offshore wind in the last few years and the hope is that this new commitment can also help lesser established technologies compete in the future energy mix.”
The north-east is home to several large-scale projects such as Vattenfall’s Aberdeen Bay Windfarm and Equinor’s Hywind project off Peterhead.
The city also hosts the Donside Hydro project from Aberdeen Community Energy.
UK energy minister Claire Perry made the announcement earlier this week, with the hopes of boosting renewable output from the UK.
It has since been broadly welcomed by trade bodies across the country.
Following the news, Jenny Hogan, deputy chief executive at Scottish Renewables, said: “Today’s confirmation that next year’s auction will take place in May, and the schedule laid out for future rounds, provides much-needed clarity to Scotland’s renewables industry.
“Developers and supply chain companies across Scotland can now plan for projects over the next decade with more certainty.
Recommended for you
