Offshore wind in Scotland is earmarked to receive £150m of government investment, announced in the draft Scottish Budget 2025/2026.
Shona Robison, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for finance, stated that the money will help leverage private investment of £1.5bn in the infrastructure and manufacturing facilities critical to growing the sector, underlining the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest up to £500m in the offshore wind sector over five years.
Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “At a time of constrained public finances, it is welcome that the Scottish Government has prioritised investment in renewable energy given it is our greatest opportunity for economic growth.
“In particular, we are pleased to see confirmation of the next tranche of funding previously committed to the offshore wind supply chain. It is also encouraging to see the revenues from ScotWind directly utilised for clean industrial growth alongside more resourcing into the planning system.”
Rod Hutchison, partner and energy sector lead at Aberdein Considine, said: “We also greatly welcome the announcement of plans to establish an offshore wind hub in the city.
“This showcases the government’s increasing confidence in the region, following on from the recent decision to base GB Energy in Aberdeen.
“This new hub will support agencies and industry bodies to streamline what is quite often a complex planning system for offshore renewables projects, ultimately speeding up their deployment.
“At a time when net zero deadlines are looming, it is heartening to see positive action being taken that will support us in meeting these ambitious targets.”
Mack said the industry body will work closely with the Scottish Government to help shape how this funding can be used as part of the wider investment landscape in order to secure the flow of significant private capital into infrastructure and manufacturing to help Scotland optimise the opportunity brought by offshore wind.
Myrtle Dawes, chief executive of the Net Zero Technology Centre in Scotland, also welcomed the commitment.
“For decades, Aberdeen and the north-east have been at the forefront of energy innovation, with talent, technology and wind power in abundance.
“Scotland has the necessary ingredients to become the net zero capital of Europe,” said Dawes.