SSE Renewables has become an associate member of Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF), the consortium bidding for a Green Freeport centred on the Firth and Inverness.
The OCF consortium, launched in 2020, includes the ports of Cromarty Firth, Nigg and Inverness and also Inverness Airport.
It is backed by Inverness Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen businesses, as well as public sector organisations, and academic bodies, including The Highland Council and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
The partnership’s bid for Green Freeport Status is one of five currently being considered by UK and Scottish ministers, with the two successful locations expected to be announced later this summer.
SSE Renewables’ director of development Maria Ryan (pictured) said: “Our commitment to the economy and communities to the Highlands remains just as strong today as it ever has, and, as we continue to expand our business, we will continue to support the Highland economy to grow and prosper.
“The Cromarty Firth has a key role to play in the delivery of Scotland’s renewable energy targets and particularly those for offshore wind and in ensuring that Scotland maximises the economic benefits from the growth of renewables.
“Therefore, we are pleased to have become an associate member of Opportunity Cromarty Firth to help shape and nurture the opportunities which the growth of offshore wind in Scotland presents.”
Chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, speaking on behalf of OCF, Bob Buskie said: “OCF is delighted that SSE Renewables has become an associate member of the consortium which has submitted a compelling and logical bid to achieve Green Freeport status for Inverness and the Cromarty Firth.
“The importance of this status to not only the Highlands but Scotland as a whole cannot be underestimated.
“It would bring skilled jobs and high-wage opportunities on a level not seen since the 1970s oil boom.
“It would also see us capitalise on the long-term pipeline of offshore renewable energy developments off our shores, and attract inward investment and generate new skilled jobs in manufacturing for offshore wind.”
SSE Renewables was among group of leading renewable energy developers the recently wrote to then UK Levelling Up Minister Michael Gove and Scottish Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, urging them to back the Inverness and Cromarty Firth bid for Green Freeport status.