Scotland’s Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse has called for an end to a “transactional” relationship with offshore wind developers to ensure greater support by industry for the local supply chain.
The SNP MSP told Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind 2020 in Glasgow on Tuesday that proposed measures to attach supplier rules to seabed leases will be “difficult” for developers but will secure the full economic benefit of greater levels of deployment.
Wheelhouse said early engagement with the supply chain can help companies get “fighting fit and competitive” when the time comes to bid on projects.
This process will also help developers get “good prices” for equipment. “We need a partnership rather than the transactional relationship that has been the case hitherto.”
With the right partnership approach, the industry can unlock “massive” economic benefit in Scotland.
Wheelhouse meanwhile said the Scottish offshore wind sector will have to step up deployment to help the country meet its 2045 net zero target.
He told delegates “time is running out” for the country to hit its goals.
“We need to step up deployment to respond to the climate emergency,” he said.
“Put simply, we cannot wait a decade before we start developing projects. Projects need to be development now in both floating and fixed foundation to come through in sufficient time.”
Wheelhouse also pointed out the oil and gas sector can plan an important role in the required build-out.
The Scottish Renewables’ Offshore Wind Conference, has almost sold out, reflecting the “enormous interest” being shown in the country’s rapidly-developing offshore wind sector.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said: “Offshore wind is really beginning to make its mark in Scotland now, and it is absolutely impossible not to be excited for what the future holds for the sector.
“Already Scottish companies are investing, upskilling and gaining expertise in what is becoming a truly global industry.
“Scotland has a quarter of Europe’s offshore wind resource. This industry gives us the tools with which to tap it, delivering economic benefits across the country and providing a key opportunity to meet our stretching carbon emissions targets on the road to net zero.”