The 1GW Muir Mhòr floating offshore wind farm in Scotland is investing in the future of the industry through student scholarships.
Muir Mhòr has awarded £10,000 to two students (pictured) who are keen to pursue careers in Scotland’s wind industry.
The recipients Shahim Asad and Filoteea Moldovan are studying for their Masters degrees at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
Four more students will be awarded similar scholarships over the next two years, as part of a £30,000 educational partership between Muir Mhòr and the university.
The initiative is part of the project’s commitment to enhancing the skills of the Scottish offshore wind workforce at all levels, starting with pupils of school age.
Muir Mhòr is one of the world’s first commercial scale floating offshore wind projects, on track to be built off the Aberdeenshire coast, approximately 63km from Peterhead.
The two students who have received scholarships are passionate about forging careers in the Scottish wind industry, which is at the heart of government plans to make the UK a clean energy superpower by 2030.
Filoteea Moldovan, who is studying for an MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Studies, said: “It means so much to me to receive this scholarship from Muir Mhòr.
“As an environmental scientist, I’m fascinated by the Scottish offshore wind industry and its potential to lead the revolution we are seeing in renewable energy.
“In the future, I hope to become an environmental consultant focusing on renewable energy developments, helping projects succeed by using data gathered from pioneering offshore wind farms such as Muir Mhòr.”
Shahim Asad is on the MSc Offshore Wind Energy course at the university. He said: “I am very grateful to Muir Mhòr for the opportunity presented through this scholarship. It is not just financial support, it is an investment in the future of renewable energy.
“As an aspiring offshore engineer, I am committed to developing innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of offshore wind projects.
“My goal is to contribute to Scotland’s transition to a sustainable energy future by finding solutions to some of the challenges faced by offshore wind farms, such as maximising their structural resilience in harsh marine environments.”
Muir Mhòr project director David Hinshelwood congratulated the students on their scholarships.
He added: “The revolution in floating offshore wind is all about the future, both in terms of its cutting-edge technology and in securing clean energy supplies for generations to come.
“Muir Mhòr is committed to improving the skills of the Scottish offshore wind workforce at all levels, and our partnership with Strathclyde is an excellent example.
“We want to ensure that the once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity presented by offshore wind is realised, helping to create a thriving, innovative, and sustainable green economy for current and future generations.”
As well as partnerships with universities, the Muir Mhòr team is also working with Mintlaw Academy in Aberdeenshire to provide practical activities for students enrolled in the Girls in Energy course. This initiative aims to offer young women real-world exposure to the energy industry.
If its consent applications are approved by the Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council, Muir Mhòr could start generating clean and renewable power in the early 2030s.
The offshore wind farm is a 50/50 joint venture between Fred. Olsen Seawind and Vattenfall.