Thistle Wind Partners has launched a £1bn supply chain programme for its 1GW Bowdun offshore wind farm off Aberdeenshire.
The initiative aims to bring Scottish firms, including oil and gas specialists, into offshore wind by pre-qualifying them as suppliers through Bowdun’s partner DEME Offshore.
More than 60 companies have joined the Supply Chain Pathways Programme, which will allow them to compete for contracts not only on Bowdun but also on other DEME projects in the UK and internationally.
The scheme will engage suppliers earlier than usual, enabling them to prepare investment cases and align with project requirements in areas such as transport, installation and balance of plant.
Deputy first minister Kate Forbes, speaking at the launch in Aberdeen, said: “Offshore wind provides a once in a generation opportunity to grow Scotland’s economy and support thousands of high-quality jobs.”
She added: “Thistle Wind Partners’ Supply Chain Pathways Programme is an example of the public and private sectors working together to grow our supply chain companies and help them win contracts at home and abroad.”
Bowdun project director Ian Taylor said: “Bowdun aims to be a bridge between Scotland’s abundant offshore wind resource and its world-class oil and gas engineering capability. Working with DEME Offshore, this programme will help deliver value through Bowdun while supporting the supply chain to seize international opportunities.”
Bowdun is being developed by Thistle Wind Partners, a consortium of Qair, Aspiravi and DEME Group. Once operational, it will power more than one million homes and invest over £1bn in the Scottish supply chain.
Supply chain manager Gavin MacKay said: “Many firms already have the skills to deliver offshore wind projects but haven’t yet secured that crucial first contract. The Supply Chain Pathways Programme is about giving them that first step and grow into long-term players in ScotWind and beyond.”
Image: L-R: Hammou Makhoukhi, Tender Manager at DEME Group, Bowdun Supply Chain Manager Gavin MacKay, and Bowdun Project Director Ian Taylor.