The ScotWind partnership, comprising SSE Renewables, Marubeni and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is to support skills development in Scotland’s offshore wind industry.
The partners have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Highlands and Islands for a collaboration to deliver targeted education, research and employability initiatives.
The partners, which are jointly bidding for the upcoming ScotWind offshore energy seabed leasing process being managed by Crown Estate Scotland, will work with the university to help to create the skills required to develop, construct and operate future offshore wind farms in Scotland.
The work would include the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning in primary and secondary schools as well as the development of the university’s curriculum to support the changing needs of the industry and the provision of academic capability to support industry research.
SSE Renewables director of capital projects Paul Cooley said: “We are delighted that our ScotWind partnership has signed this MOU with the University of the Highlands and Islands which demonstrates our firm commitment to skills development.
“SSE has already supported the work of the university for many years and this new partnership will allow us to inspire school pupils to choose a STEM career within the offshore wind industry and provide the right curriculum to meet the emerging needs of the sector including areas such as floating wind and green hydrogen roll-out.
“These skills will be vital for the delivery of ScotWind projects to help meet our net zero obligations.”