Northland Power has signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the Western Isles Council and higher education institutions in the region as part of its ScotWind bid.
The MoUs, which were included in formal bids for sites as part of Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind leasing process, underline Northland’s “long-term approach to developing and managing renewable energy assets to the benefit of local communities”.
The signed agreements with the colleges focus on environmental benefits, particularly the use of hydrogen in domestic and business infrastructure including homes, schools and transport, and on the development of local skills to support the construction and long-term operation and maintenance of the offshore wind farms.
Discussions with the Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) focus on supporting local projects and meeting wider local objectives, as identified by the Comhairle, such as retail energy opportunities to alleviate fuel poverty and progressing net zero objectives.
The MoU also includes commitments to support the Comhairle’s Hydrogen vision through the supply of offshore wind electricity to the proposed Outer Hebrides Energy Hub, enabling the production of green Hebridean hydrogen for local use and its export to European markets through Stornoway’s new Deep Water Terminal.
Northland managing director for Europe development Nigel Slater said: “We are pleased to be active in the Western Isles and the north-west of Scotland, exploring how the legacy of offshore wind projects built today can be felt across communities over the lifetime of the projects and beyond.”
He said the MoUs with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and higher education institutions “underline Northland’s commitment to work with those organisations and others to put down the foundations of that legacy, and make some of Scotland’s most fragile rural places more socially and economically sustainable”.
“There are many tangible benefits which come from offshore wind, from heating homes and powering businesses to creating a more skilled workforce and a vibrant and successful supply chain.” Slater added.
Cllr Roddie Mackay, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “We warmly welcome Northland Power’s interest in the Hebridean ScotWind sites.
“Northland approached us very early in the process and we have been impressed by their determination to deliver lasting benefit to the communities who will be affected by their proposed ScotWind deployments.
“This reflects the determination of the Comhairle to secure enduring benefits from ScotWind and we have developed a comprehensive MOU with Northland Power.”