The development and construction of Moray East and Moray West created over 8000 full-time equivalent (FTE) years of employment and contributed over £700m in GVA to the UK economy, according to modelling work commissioned by Ocean Winds.
Carried out by BVG Associates, the study forecasts suggest that over its lifetime, the Moray West wind farm will directly contribute £800m of expenditure within the Scottish economy.
Furthermore, during the development and construction phases of Moray West more than 1500 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) years of employment will have been created in Scotland.
The findings form part of Ocean Winds’ report on supply chain and employment impact from its Scottish Moray Firth projects at a launch event in Aberdeen.
The report identifies the value creation from the now operational Moray East offshore wind farm, the Moray West project that is in the final phases of construction activity and the early commitment to supply chain and skills from the Caledonia project.
The sites, all based in the Moray Firth, total over 4GW and represent a significant contribution to the UK’s renewable energy targets.
Ocean Winds’ UK portfolio also includes the Arven project east of Shetland, a partnership with Mainstream Renewable Power, which is in early development stages.
Ocean Winds UK country manager Adam Morrison said: “We have been developing projects in Scotland since 2010 and have developed productive relationships with UK, Scottish and regional supply chain companies across that time.
“As an experienced and trusted developer, we are delighted to showcase some of the many supply chain success stories that we have helped to create across the UK.
“From the large investments in foundations fabrication and leading-edge blade production in the UK, to sourcing from local SMEs we have leaned into the aims of local sourcing where possible.
“Those business have made a significant contribution to the successful execution of our projects to date.
“With our continually developing understanding of the richness of the local supply chains we are working hard to ensure that local supply chains benefit from our strong pipeline of development projects.”