Successful ScotWind partners, ScottishPower and Shell, have announced a multi-million pound investment to help support the growth of the offshore wind industry in Scotland.
The pair are to provide £50m (€60m) in supply chain stimulus funds for the 3GW MarramWind and 2GW CampionWind floating ScotWind projects.
A further £25m in funding from ScottishPower has been allocated to support its 2GW MachairWind fixed-bottom ScotWind project.
ScottishPower and Shell were awarded the seabed rights to develop two new floating wind projects through Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind Leasing at the start of the year.
In addition, ScottishPower was awarded the seabed rights for the fixed foundation project off the coast of Islay.
The new funds are designed to help create new offshore wind capability in Scotland that would not otherwise be possible.
ScottishPower Renewables new UK offshore sites Manager Mandy Gloyer said: “These funds will open up huge opportunities for the supply chain in Scotland as we gear up to lead the development of commercial-scale floating wind and kick start a new global green offshore industry.
“We look forward to working with government, partners, industry and the supply chain to shape the funds and maximise their impact on the Scottish economy, with jobs and investment for local people and businesses across the country.
“This is a really exciting time and a great chance for companies to get involved in delivering a clean energy future.”
Shell UK offshore wind business manager Melissa Read said: “These funds are in addition to direct project investment in supply chain facilities and will directly support the Scottish supply chain.
“This includes businesses keen to make the transition to the renewables sector through investment in infrastructure, facilities that will manufacture and service offshore wind projects and support for companies to innovate and upskill.”
Applications to the funds will open up later in the year. Online supply chain registration portals for all three projects are now live.