Offshore wind developers have set out their intention to invest billions in Scotland’s supply chain in the coming years.
Supply chain development statement (SCDS) outlooks have been shared for each of the 17 projects that were successful in the recent ScotWind leasing round.
With a Scottish spending commitment averaging just shy of £1.5bn per scheme, the country is in line to benefit to the tune of more than £25bn.
Cash will be spent as the wind farms progress through development, manufacturing and fabrication, installation and operation.
READ: Union laments ScotWind supply chain commitments with billions set to go overseas
Included in the SCDS are details about how each of the applicants could source products, materials, and labour to construct, erect, and service fixed and floating projects.
Initial spending commitments are laid out in each statement, alongside ambitions detailing how much each project would spend, and where, under a best-case scenario.
Listed below are details of each ScotWind project’s SCDS outlooks, ranked in order of the size of their ambition and commitment.
© Supplied by Energy Voice
© Supplied by Energy Voice
How Scotland’s abundant offshore wind resources will help the domestic supply chain has been a key facet of ScotWind.
It is hoped the process will finally unlock the thousands of green jobs that have been promised for years, creating a pathway for oil and gas workers to transition.
In order to make sure the majority of work for projects isn’t farmed out overseas, as has often been the case, ScotWind-organiser Crown Estate Scotland mandated that applicants outline their supply chain commitments.
Colin Palmer, director of marine for the government body, said: “The breadth and scale of these initial commitments from ScotWind developers is encouraging, as is their ambition to help Scotland reach net zero.
“However, the challenges in delivering on these ambitions – which will evolve as project details become clearer – should not be underestimated.
“It will require a truly collaborative approach from all involved to ensure the huge potential for transformative economic development, job creation, and a just transition is realised.”
© Supplied by SSE RenewablesHeadwinds for ScotWind
The SCDS outlooks also make clear the challenges faced by the sector in realising ScotWind’s potential benefits.
Constraints identified include a lack of grid availability, bottlenecks for construction and fabrication at preferred sites, and the skills within the labour market.
However, they also underline the extensive experience and knowledge within Scotland, a large amount of which comes from the oil and gas industry.
Net zero & energy Secretary Michael Matheson said: “As the world’s largest offshore wind leasing round, ScotWind puts us at the forefront of the global development of offshore wind and represents a massive step forward in our net zero transformation.
“The publication of these supply chain outlooks demonstrates the truly unprecedented scale of the opportunities that this leasing round will present, not just for our regional and national economies, but to deliver a true just transition for our energy sector, harnessing existing talent and expertise and creating and delivering good, green jobs across Scotland’s supply chain.
“There will be some challenges to overcome as we embark on this exciting expansion in renewable energy – such as grid capacity and unfair transmission charging. The Scottish Government does not have the powers to resolve all these challenges, but we will continue to work with and, where appropriate, challenge the UK Government to address these barriers and ensure a just transition to net zero.
“Offshore wind is rapidly becoming one of the cheapest forms of electricity at our disposal to protect consumers and ensure our energy security whilst delivering our climate obligations, and the Scottish Government will use every lever at our disposal to harness to ensure a greener, fairer future for everyone.”
Mr Matheson previously warned the offshore industry that if it didn’t deliver Scotland’s long-awaited jobs, it would be deemed a failure.
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