New supply chain commitments from developers published

Ambitious plans for each of the three ScotWind clearing projects have now been published.

The plans – called Supply Chain Development Statement (SCDS) Outlooks – show initial commitments from the applicants.  

They detail how each of the applicants could source products, materials, and labour to develop, manufacture, construct, and operate the offshore wind projects.    

Clearing saw the ‘NE1’ area east of Shetland made available for ScotWind applicants who met the required standards but who did not secure their chosen location earlier in the leasing process. 

The addition of three more ScotWind projects takes to 20 the total number of ScotWind projects which now have option agreements confirmed. Together these total up to 27.6GW of clean energy. 

Latest figures, taking into account all 20 projects, now show initial Scottish commitments total £28.8bn, indicating an average investment in Scotland of £1.4bn per project built and £1bn per gigawatt of capacity built.

Focussing from the outset on supply chain capacity to develop and deliver the projects is key to the overall success of ScotWind. Crown Estate Scotland mandated that applicants must outline supply chain commitments as part of their application for an option agreement, with commitments then updated throughout development as project specifics such as timing and technology become clearer, and the development of the supply chain progresses.  

The SCDS Outlooks also make clear the challenges faced by the sector in realising ScotWind’s potential benefits. Constraints identified include a lack of grid availability, bottlenecks for construction and fabrication at preferred sites, and the skills within the labour market. However, the SCDS Outlooks also highlight the extensive experience and knowledge within Scotland, which has been accumulated via the oil and gas industry and growing renewable energy sector.  

In addition, existing offshore wind projects from before the ScotWind round have been invited to submit supply chain information in a similar format, with two such plans being published today. These projects will require a significant increase in capability and capacity from the supply chain over the coming years to match the industry ambition – collating and providing this information will help developers to engage with industry and the public sector and will assist in shaping the support environment.

Colin Maciver, Head of Offshore Wind for Crown Estate Scotland, said: “This round of publications sets out further opportunities for a range of businesses to become involved in delivering the next generation of offshore wind farms in Scotland. The success of the sector is tied closely to the success of building the overall supply chain – that’s why it’s so crucial that information is provided as widely and as early as possible.” 

Supply chain information for projects can be viewed in the Downloads area, our Resources section, or via our ScotWind page.