ORE Catapult has opened applications for a regional Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme for businesses across Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney aiming to enter the offshore renewable energy sector in Scotland.
The F4OR supply chain growth programme will be delivered by the ORE Catapult, supported by £125,000 from offshore wind developer, the West of Orkney Windfarm.
F4OR Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney will provide up to seven companies with the opportunity to take part in the 12-18 month development programme.
This has been designed alongside offshore wind industry experts, and focuses on improving business readiness for the offshore renewable energy market.
Davood Sabaei, F4OR programme manager at ORE Catapult, said: “We are excited to be launching our first ever F4OR programme in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney, and we look forward to working alongside local companies on their journey towards success in offshore renewables.
“It is also fantastic to have endorsement and support from offshore wind developer, the West of Orkney Windfarm, as part of this programme.
“F4OR Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney will build on the success of five F4OR regional programmes delivered by ORE Catapult in the North East of Scotland, North East of England, East Anglia and Suffolk, alongside national programmes run across Scotland and UK-wide, with over 100 companies supported.
“Participating companies experience an average 28% increase in turnover, and many have gone on to secure a wide range of new contracts.”
Last year, the ScotWind leasing auction created a multi-million pound opportunity for offshore renewable energy projects around the Scottish coastline.
Stephen Kerr, West of Orkney Windfarm project director, said: “We’ve been engaging with businesses and organisations in Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney for a number of years, and although construction of ScotWind projects will not ramp up until the latter half of this decade, early engagement with the local supply chain is critical.
“Participation in this F4OR programme will equip forward-looking firms with the attributes they need to compete successfully for future contracts.
“The West of Orkney Windfarm has already committed to a £105m investment initiative that will be enhanced to £140m by third parties to support the offshore wind supply chain locally, in Scotland and across the UK ahead of a Final Investment Decision in 2026.”
Companies have until Tuesday 31 October to express their interest in taking part in F4OR Caithness, Sutherland and Orkney.
The programme will start in December 2023.