Date Created: 31 January 2012
A new £900,000 offshore wind initiative to support rapid growth in the developing offshore wind supply chain was launched today at Scotland’s largest offshore wind conference in Aberdeen.
The new Offshore Wind Expert Support Programme aims to support more than 600 Scottish businesses capture a share of the potential 28,000 new jobs and £7 billion investment expected from the emerging industry.
The programme was announced by Lena Wilson, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, during her opening address to more than 600 delegates at the Scottish Offshore Wind and Supply Chain Conference.
Dr Wilson said: “Scotland has the potential to boast a thriving supply chain of companies across the main stages of offshore wind.
“This new initiative is designed to offer specialist support to help those Scottish businesses with the potential and ambition to secure as much of this exciting new industry as possible.”
Scottish Enterprise research suggests there are more than 750 companies already supplying products and services to the market or who have the ambition to diversify into offshore wind.
Following a successful pilot project during 2011, the initiative has been designed to offer up to two days of free specialist one-to-one support to help companies consider opportunities and build diversification strategies that will help win business in the fast emerging offshore wind sector.
Dr Wilson continued: “Many of our existing strong industry sectors such as oil and gas, engineering, aerospace and construction have transferable skills and expertise for the offshore wind market and with construction of offshore wind farms around the UK imminent, we want Scottish businesses to maximise the economic opportunity.”
Around 5500 offshore wind turbines are likely to be constructed in waters around the UK coast over the next decade.
This announcement ensures that offshore wind developers will be fully supported by Scottish ports and companies who are able to provide critical products and services.
Lena continued: “The economic prize is high to those who are off the starting blocks quickly and we hope this new initiative will help ensure Scotland is ready and able to support the offshore wind industry.”
Find out more about Scotland's offshore wind industry