Proposals for a floating offshore wind farm could create 3900 jobs in Scotland, if successful in the ScotWind leasing round, according to figures produced by the developer, Floating Energy Allyance (FEA).
FEA is a partnership that includes Germany’s BayWa r.e., Belgium’s Elicio and floating wind technology developer BW Ideol.
The group is one of a number of bidders in the ScotWind leasing round run by Crown Estate Scotland, which closed on 16 July, and is committed to manufacturing the project’s floating concrete foundations at a port location in Scotland.
The employment projections have been calculated by independent economic consultancy Biggar Economics.
BayWa r.e. UK managing director Gordon MacDougall said: “Floating Energy Allyance is focused on being at the vanguard of the development of floating wind in Scotland and fully committed to maximising the opportunities for the Scottish supply chain if successful in ScotWind.
“At the heart of that pledge is our commitment to the manufacture of 100% of our concrete foundations at a port location in Scotland.
“This would drive the majority of the 3900 jobs created by one of our projects at the peak of construction.
“We would also invest in a new Floating Energy Allyance Supply Chain Fund to support as many Scottish companies as possible to compete for work across all phases of our project.”
Paul de la Gueriviere, chief executive of BW Ideol, said: “These figures reinforce the significant levels of employment that floating wind could create in Scotland, in particular when using BW Ideol’s proven and internationally recognized concrete floater.
“We have engaged with a number of established civil engineering and construction companies already present in the Scottish market; companies with a proven capability and expertise to manage local fabrication, and built up a significant supplier database through our engagement with the Scottish supply chain.”
“We have also assessed a number of ports up and down the east coast which would be suitable for our manufacturing operation and are now progressing an option with our preferred location.”
Crown Estate Scotland will announce the successful applicants in early 2022.