Investment in the offshore wind supply chain in the Inner Moray
Firth and Stornoway will bring new jobs and expand Scotland's
renewable energy capabilities.
Funding of £3.9 million will support infrastructure development
at the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility in the Inner Moray
Firth. The Facility offers critical infrastructure for both fixed
and floating wind projects and will be the largest of its kind on
the North Sea coast.
Navantia UK receives £2.05 million towards a £5 million project
at the Arnish yard in Stornoway, creating more than 75 jobs. New
plant and equipment will enable the Port to handle larger
projects and cut energy use.
Additional investment of £965,000 in pre-construction work will
prepare Arnish for further development. Navantia's workforce,
which includes 30 apprentices, is forecast to go up from 150 to
250 over the next ten years.
Deputy First Minister said:
"The growth of both Ardersier Energy Transition Facility and
Navantia's operations at Arnish will bring meaningful benefits to
Lewis and the Highlands.
“Offshore wind is one of the biggest economic opportunities
Scotland has ever had. These investments will significantly boost
Scotland's clean energy sector, support new well-paid, skilled
jobs in Stornoway and boost economic opportunity at Ardersier.”
Navantia UK CEO Donato Martinez said:
“This support will help accelerate our investment programme at
Arnish, a facility with a strong track record in complex offshore
fabrication and a highly skilled workforce.
“Navantia UK is building on these strengths to ensure Arnish is
best placed for future opportunities across the energy market,
including offshore wind, creating high quality, long-term jobs
for the community.”
Interim chief executive officer of Ardersier Port's owner
Haventus Ian Cobban said:
“We welcome approval of this valuable capital funding. The
alignment of national, regional and local government in Scotland,
in support of the renewable energy industry, has been of critical
value to Haventus, as we developed our facility.
“Ardersier now enters its operational phase at a moment when the
UK's security of energy supply is a focus of attention. We look
forward to playing our part as a central element in the supply
chain for a new national and global industry.”
Background
The funding is being delivered through Highlands and Islands
Enterprise.
The Scottish Government has invested almost £150 million in the
offshore wind supply chain and ports infrastructure to date. That
investment has stimulated a further £70 million from UK public
finance institutions and leveraged up to £670 million in private
investment.
List of offshore wind projects awarded funding to date: Offshore wind - Renewable and
low carbon energy - gov.scot
