Scottish Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan has appointed a new Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) industry co-chair to represent the country’s offshore wind industry.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack will provide strategic leadership to SOWEC and work alongside the partnership’s subgroups and developer forum to deliver sector growth, for a two-year term.
Mack has been chief executive of Scottish Renewables since 2017 and is responsible for leading the organisation’s work to grow Scotland’s renewable energy industry and maintaining its position as a global leader in clean power.
As well as co-chairing SOWEC, Mack is a member of the First Minister’s Scottish Energy Advisory Board. She also sits on both the UK Government Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce and Electricity Networks Delivery Forum.
Allan said: “Offshore wind is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s economic development agenda and the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) is vital to driving forward action in support of the sector.
“I am pleased to welcome Claire Mack’s appointment as SOWEC Industry co-chair and look forward to working with her to help ensure the sector continues to create high-quality jobs, reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions and benefits our communities.
“My thanks also to outgoing co-chair Brian McFarlane for his years of dedicated service and all that has been achieved under his leadership.”
Mack said: “Offshore wind is one of Scotland’s key assets and our ability to turn our 40GW pipeline into successfully delivered projects is pivotal to our environmental and economic aspirations.
“As I step into the role of co-chair at SOWEC during this critical point for Scotland’s £4 billion offshore wind sector, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Brian McFarlane, for his untiring dedication and contribution to the sector.
“Looking forward to the coming year there are key actions we need to take to enable the next steps of Scotland’s success in delivering offshore projects.
“I’m confident that industry, with the backing and support of both the Scottish and UK governments, has the expertise, ability and tools available to do so.”
McFarlane, who is head of offshore development at SSE Renewables, said: “Thank you to all those who have contributed to SOWEC’s work during my time as co-chair and I wish Claire the best of luck as she takes up her new position.”