Regional Growth Prospectus: Scotland can secure multi-billion pound economic boost

Regional Growth Prospectuses released today (May 19) by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) and The Crown Estate set out how coastal regions around the country can expand their activities in key parts of the UK’s rapidly-growing offshore wind supply chain.

This would create and sustain an additional 10,000 new jobs, on top of the 100,000 already expected in the industry, and boost the UK’s economy by over £25 billion between now and 2035.

The Clean Energy Cluster, the national voice of Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain, has released its own regional prospectus.

As the single point of contact for businesses with ambitious offshore wind growth plans, the goal of The Clean Energy Cluster is to enhance business development opportunities, foster innovation, facilitate knowledge transfer, drive skills development and boost the global competitiveness of Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain.

The cluster encompasses a wide range of high-value companies working in offshore wind, with significant plans for growth built on a large fixed and floating offshore wind pipeline.

Commenting, Emma Harrick, Director of Energy Transition and Supply Chain at Scottish Renewables, who leads The Clean Energy Cluster, said:

“The Clean Energy Cluster is the national voice of Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain which is founded on decades of industrial expertise, particularly in oil and gas.

“With our strategically located ports, renowned engineering expertise and a strong culture of innovation, we are beginning to attract the significant investment needed to accelerate the development of offshore wind.

“As outlined in the Regional Growth Prospectus, Scotland has a wealth of renewable energy know-how stretching to all corners of the country. The Highlands and Islands offer immense potential with their deep-water ports while Aberdeenshire brings world-class energy and maritime capability. Fife can draw on its critical manufacturing expertise while the Central Belt will continue to serve as a thriving hub of innovation and expertise.

“It is impossible to sum up the strength and depth, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit, of our supply chain across 12 pages. But the prospectus is a rousing snapshot of our world class capabilities underscoring the size of the opportunity that is set to come our way.”

Ends

Notes

• Read The Clean Energy Cluster regional prospectus.
• Read the OWIC and The Crown Estate’s press release on the Regional Growth Prospectuses.