News

Huge opportunity in offshore wind for Scottish businesses

20 March, 2024

With more than 45 gigawatts in the project pipeline, the offshore wind opportunity for Scottish companies is huge.  

There are 48 offshore wind projects under development, construction or in operation in Scottish Waters and if the terms of the UK Offshore Wind Sector Deal are met, 60% of the work will be sourced from UK suppliers with the majority being from within Scotland.

To this end, the Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster, set up primarily to support local supply chain development in offshore wind in Scotland, has joined forces with South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Borders Council, local windfarm project Neart na Gaoithe (NnG) and Eyemouth Harbour Trust to highlight the scale and scope of opportunity for local businesses across the South of Scotland and further afield. 

We are holding an event on Wednesday 27 March at Eyemouth Golf Club, starting at 1000hrs until around 1500hrs, and extend a warm invitation to local SMEs with an interest in finding out more about the offshore wind opportunities in Scotland and where to find support, as well as anyone who may be considering locating in the area.  The event comprises presentations from key stakeholder organisations, networking breaks with a small team of exhibitors, as well as a tour of NnG’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base and Eyemouth Harbour. 

The panoramic views from Eyemouth Golf Club give an ideal perspective on the scale of EDF Renewables and ESB’s offshore windfarm Neart na Gaoithe, with its O&M base located at Eyemouth Harbour and where it will work from for the next circa 25 years undertaking O&M services on the turbines, providing power for around 375,000 homes and offsetting more than 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Eyemouth Harbour Trust will give an overview of its growing offshore wind services and facilities in the harbour and potential development and investment opportunities, as well as how the Trust is fostering growth and development within the Eyemouth community.

BVG Associates will speak about offshore wind opportunities in Scotland and South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council will share details of how they are able to support businesses considering diversifying or building their business further in the offshore wind sector.

Paul Wheelhouse, South of Scotland Enterprise’s Head of Energy Transition, said:

“I am delighted that SOSE has been able to team up with our partners to bring this offshore wind supply roadshow event to Eyemouth, not least in the context of the welcome investment and jobs that the NnG project is bringing to the town, but to raise awareness of the wider sector that is looking to invest more than £25 billion within the supply chain.

It’s a great opportunity for businesses in our region to hear and see first-hand the scale and scope of the work available across the offshore wind sector in Scotland. The opportunities cover a diverse range of areas such as engineering and fabrication, through maritime, professional services, catering, logistics, workwear, training, accommodation and much else besides. I would encourage local businesses to sign up for the event as soon as they can to avoid missing out.”

Shona Clive, project lead for the Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster said: 

“We hope to attract lots of local businesses keen to learn about offshore wind, as the scale of opportunity for Scotland is huge and the benefits of Scottish businesses getting involved are far reaching, not least in terms of local, sustainable employment and economic growth.

The team at Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster works hard to support Scottish companies looking to diversify into offshore wind or build their business further in the sector and connects them with the existing supply chain and support available.”

For more details and to register – Registration link for Eyemouth event - offshore wind opportunities in Scotland

Ends

Contact 

Shona Clive, project lead, Forth and Tay Offshore Cluster

shonaclive@scottishengineering.org.uk

07967366731

https://www.forthandtayoffshore.co.uk/

Image provided by South of Scotland Enterprise - Eyemouth Harbour with Neart na Gaoithe Offshore Windfarm’s Operations and Maintenance base