Offshore Energies UK has called for a joined-up approach to delivering homegrown energy after the Scottish Government delivered its Budget. The budget includes spending commitments for the green supply chain, an offshore wind hub in Aberdeen and confirmation of further Just Transition funding.
Jenny Stanning, director of external relations at OEUK, said:
“A homegrown energy future is the way to help grow Scotland’s economy, support jobs, deliver climate goals and modernise industrial communities across the country.
“In Scotland, the oil and gas sector support 90,000 jobs and £18.9 billion in GVA. The opportunities as we deliver net zero are even bigger. However, to deliver this in a way that grows Scotland’s economy and provides energy export opportunities, we will need both oil and gas and renewables in an integrated system.
“Making the most of this industry’s people, companies, skills and experience is the right path to building the energy industries of the future.
“We must not be complacent about the work needed from industry and government to realise this sector’s potential. We look forward to hearing more details about how the just transition and supply chain funding will be distributed and how the new wind hub will operate.
“We urge organisations who share the common aim of delivering a homegrown energy transition and advancing our world class supply chain to include all elements of the offshore energy sector and to work collaboratively across industries and between all layers of government – in our communities and a Scottish and UK level.”
Meanwhile, ETZ Ltd Chief Executive, Maggie McGinlay, commented:
“The decision to locate a new Offshore Wind Hub in Aberdeen is hugely welcome and a positive step toward the North East of Scotland positioning itself as an internationally recognised renewables energy cluster, particularly for offshore wind. We will work closely with the Scottish Government to ensure this Hub and the additional £150million earmarked for offshore wind in the coming year are channelled effectively.
“The importance of speeding up the planning and consenting of offshore wind projects, so they are commercially available, is vital if Scotland is to emerge as global leaders in this sector. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to locate this new body in a region that has proximity to the vast majority of offshore wind projects in Scotland and is home to the highest concentration of energy supply chain companies in the UK.
“Following the UK Government decision to locate GB Energy in the city and the fact a range of the key energy industry and innovation support organisations are already based here, the North East of Scotland is an energy ecosystem without rival and the most attractive location in Europe to invest in low carbon technologies.”
