The Scottish government is to introduce new regulations that will force offshore wind developers to agree local supply chain commitments when applying for lease rights.
Holyrood today outlined the plan, an agreement between Crown Estate Scotland and the government, at an offshore wind summit in Edinburgh attended by senior industry representatives and unions.
The government said the move will increase the number of offshore wind contracts that stay in Scotland.
Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said the sector has not delivered the economic benefit expected in recent years.
“The Scottish government has been calling for the offshore sector to do more by awarding contracts to our indigenous supply chain but recent disappointments suggest that more has to be done,” he said.
“The measures agreed with Crown Estate Scotland will help to release more of those economic benefits for the Scottish economy and ensure that the Scottish-based supply chain is considered when tendering for work or making long-term conditions.”
He added: “I will use every lever at our disposal to ensure that our renewables supply chain benefits from the expansion of offshore wind in our waters, leading to the creation and retention of Scottish jobs.”
Crown Estate Scotland marine director Colin Palmer said the organisation is committed to “doing all we can” to unlock economic potential.
“ScotWind leasing will present Scotland as an attractive destination for the significant investment needed to deliver the scale of offshore wind projects we want to see,” he added.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said: “Industry continues to work hard to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that the enormous economic benefits of offshore wind are felt as widely as possible in Scotland.
“Discussion at today’s summit showed industry, government and unions are united in their objective to ensure Scotland captures as much economic benefit from offshore wind as possible.
“Scottish projects can deliver local economic benefits whilst also growing our capability to exploit the export potential of the global offshore wind market.
“However any measures which may reduce the competitiveness of Scotland’s offshore wind sector must be carefully considered and we will continue to work with the Scottish government to deliver a vibrant and globally-attractive offshore wind sector as more details of today’s announcement are released.”