Oil and gas operators and supply chain companies have secured bids on the round, showing how the industry is harnessing its transferable energy expertise and playing a central role in helping the UK move towards its net zero goals.
Lead applicants include OGUK member companies bp, Shell and Ocean Winds, with a number of supply chain companies supporting as project partners.
Harnessing energy expertise
OGUK supply chain and operations director Katy Heidenreich said: “”UK offshore energy companies are at the head of the pack, building on and adapting their oil and gas expertise to speed up greener energies like wind.
“This is a powerful example of how our industry is changing and helping deliver the cleaner and affordable energy required to help other industries and millions of consumers get to net zero.
“Working together, their technology and skills can help shape the country’s energy future, secure jobs for people across the country, and support our world-class supply chain in exporting its low carbon expertise around the world, cutting carbon emissions at home and overseas.”
A milestone in energy transition
Jean Morrison, chair of Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG), said: “This is a key milestone in Scotland’s energy transition and, following the Glasgow COP26 talks in November, signals a hugely exciting and transformational period for Scotland and the renewables industry across the UK. This will lead to considerable investment and supply chain opportunities in new offshore wind projects for Scottish waters.
“With the commitment to yielding up to 25 GW of new generating capacity in Scotland over the next decade, this round plays an important role in our drive to achieve net zero, in addition to bolstering the industry’s UK supply chain and workforce.
“We’d like to congratulate all of the preferred bidders which include AREG member companies. We look forward to supporting and collaborating with all the bidders as the developments progress. In particular, AREG will build on its track record with the Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm to offer successful ScotWind developers ‘Meet the Buyer’ style events to help the wider renewables industry navigate and maximise opportunities in these hugely significant projects.
Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) is one of the original energy transition organisations. AREG works on behalf of its members to empower the energy supply chain to drive energy transition. Not for profit, AREG provides its members with a powerful voice in the net zero conversation.
More information at www.aberdeenrenewables.com
Jean concludes: “We can look forward to seeing progress with the detailed designs of the various developments and I anticipate we will see new technologies and innovations evolve to deliver what will be world class projects in Scottish waters.”
Find the full list of awards here.