Strengths of Scotland’s onshore wind energy sector

With 25 percent of Europe’s wind resource Scotland is an ideal location for onshore wind power projects.
 
Scotland offers excellent natural resources, cutting edge-technology and a skilled workforce along with world leading wind power research institutions.

Scotland currently has 7.4 GW of onshore wind energy planned or under construction.

Scotland’s key wind power industry strengths include:

  • A strong and developing supply chain
  • An investment environment that takes advantage of Scotland’s oil and gas experience and success
  • Funding and support for diversification into wind energy activity
  • Skilled labour with competitive wages rates and social taxation costs
  • Expertise in manufacturing large steel structures which is transferrable to the wind sector

Scotland’s wind power skills and expertise

Scotland’s long history of expertise in the oil and gas industry and commitment to developing the renewable energy sector means there is already a highly skilled and motivated workforce in place.

Along with these skills and experience Scotland’s facilities include manufacturing sites and maintenance, operation and supply service capabilities. 

Supporting Scotland’s wind power sector

The wind power industry in Scotland is supported by an active research sector.

This includes:

  • Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) – around 250 academics and 600 researchers make the ETP one of the largest power and energy research depatments in Europe
  • Energy Technology Centre (ETC) – Based at the Scottish Enterprise Technology Park in East Kilbride the ETC support the commercialisation of renewable and sustainable energy technologies
  • Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) - Scotland's new national energy laboratory, a hub for Scotland's energy research, test and demonstration sector

Find out more about Scotland’s wind power energy centres of excellence

Scotland’s renewable energy sector is also supported by a number of industry associations, including:

  • Scottish Renewables – Scotland’s renewable energy industry foum, supporting the development of sustainable energy
  • Renewable UK – UK’s trade and professional bofy for UK wind and marine renewable industries
  • European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) – the voice of the wind industry throughout Europe and worldwide

Find out how we can help you secure funding to help your investment in Scotland's offshore wind industry