Crown Estate Scotland has appointed consultancy Arup as specialist reviewers for the upcoming multi-gigawatt ScotWind offshore wind leasing round.
Arup will work with the seabed agency to finalise the approach to evaluating applications from developers for the tender, which is to open shortly.
In addition, the consultancy will assess individual application together with CES.
Arup Scotland energy leader Clare Lavelle said: “Working with the Crown Estate Scotland on its first leasing round will have a significant impact on Scotland’s ability to become a net-zero emissions economy by 2045.
“We have a proven track record supporting offshore wind projects in Scotland, the UK and globally and we’re committed to helping the industry innovate and progress alongside Crown Estate Scotland.”
CES head of energy and infrastructure John Robertson added: “We are committed to helping enable Scotland’s ambition to achieve a net-zero emissions target by 2045 through our role as manager of Scotland’s seabed.
“ScotWind Leasing will provide certainty and clarity for those seeking to lease seabed for new offshore wind farms in Scottish Waters, encouraging low-carbon generation, and we look forward to working with Arup as we deliver a robust and transparent leasing process.”