Crown Estate Scotland has revealed further details of its next offshore wind leasing round, known as ScotWind, with initiation of a ‘pre-launch’ process today.
The Scottish seabed landlord said near-final documentation released at the pre-launch outline some of the proposed steps in the leasing process, however, the documents are not final and could change before the expected official launch in October.
It added that the pre-launch aims to help developers prepare for ScotWind and gives the organisation the “opportunity to fine-tune the arrangements in response to feedback”.
Documentation made available at the pre-launch includes draft offer, registration and application forms, as well as guidance notes and an option agreement and lease form.
Indicative dates for the ScotWind are the same as previously announced with an October 2019 launch, November registration, deadline for applications between February and April 2020 and decisions on successful applications between May and July next year.
Selection will be based on several criteria, including capabilities and financial resources likely to lead to a project proceeding successfully, Crown Estate Scotland said.
Applications must include a financial bid reflecting the applicant’s valuation of the project, it said.
The fee to acquire a site depends on the size of the area requested but is likely to be in the region of £5m for a commercial scale project.
Feedback from stakeholders will be accepted until 30 August.
Crown Estate Scotland head of energy and infrastructure John Robertson said: “Today marks an important step towards an offshore wind leasing process which will attract investment to Scotland to help reduce climate change emissions and enable wider socio-economic benefits for communities.
“By providing this information now, we will enable developers to start their preparations so that they are in a position to submit suitable applications when the time comes.”