Industry has welcomed provisions in Holyrood’s 2024-25 draft budget proposals for a £67m government investment in the country’s offshore wind supply chain.
The sum – to be disbursed via the Scottish government, its enterprise agencies and the Scottish National Investment Bank – would “kickstart” a longer-term commitment of up to £500m over five years to leverage private investment in ports, manufacturing and assembly work.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack (pictured) said the move is “absolutely essential if we are going to fulfil our potential as a world-class destination for offshore wind”.
“The investment environment is key and that includes ensuring that Scotland can attract and retain the talent essential to delivering our projects,” she added.
Holyrood has meanwhile set out proposals to “support resourcing of the planning service, recognising its importance in enabling quality development and infrastructure delivery”.
A consultation paper is due to be released next year as part of these plans, identifying possible options to speed up consenting times.
Mack said: “We have been urgently seeking investment in Scotland’s planning system so it’s encouraging to see the Scottish government will publish, in early 2024, its options to accelerate the build out of the renewable energy projects that will help us meet our climate ambitions.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scottish government on these and our industry’s other priorities in the weeks ahead as it prepares its final budget.”