Increasing capacity at Scottish ports is just one of the steps that could be taken to help facilities maximise the future potential offered by new offshore wind farms off Scotland, according to a new report released today.
The report – ‘Ports for offshore wind: A review of the net-zero opportunity for ports in Scotland’ – from Crown Estate Scotland highlights how Scotland’s ports and harbours can tap into the huge potential created by the development of offshore wind in the years to come.
The research, which was carried out by consultancy Arup, also recommended establishing a national strategic approach to how offshore wind ports are developed and developing new optimal operation and maintenance facilities at ports.
Crown Estate Scotland director of marine Colin Palmer (pictured) said: “This is an important piece of work, which should act as a roadmap for both public and private sectors in Scotland to ensure that our ports and offshore wind sectors collaborate effectively and maximise the potential that offshore wind can bring to communities.
“Scotland has fantastic port facilities as well as some of the best offshore energy resources in the world; making sure these two are successfully aligned can help us take a giant leap towards our net zero commitments, and help to build a green economic recovery for Scotland.”
Scottish Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Scotland is already a world-leading destination for the development of low carbon energy and this study strengthens our status as a hub for global players.
“It also demonstrates the manufacturing and supply chain capabilities in Scotland that will help make a significant contribution to meeting our world-leading climate change targets and support the creation of green jobs.
“Encouraging cross-sectoral collaborations in areas like energy and transport exemplify the opportunities available through our ‘Blue Economy’ model, and the important role it will play in both our economic recovery from coronavirus and our path towards net-zero.”