Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up
to £10 million to support development of the port's
Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new
heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on
roll-off capability.
The project, which is subject to formal approval by Global Energy
Nigg Limited, will increase capacity and capabilities at the
port, attracting new companies and investment while supporting
operations across the country's growing offshore wind operations.
HIE's investment forms part of the Scottish Government's
commitment to strategically invest up to £500m over five years to
anchor the nation's offshore wind supply chain.
Port of Nigg is recognised by developers as a prime location for
the manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind components and
has a significant track record within Scotland's offshore wind
industry, having managed over 3.5GW of assets through the
facility.
In 2024, high voltage cable manufacturer Sumitomo Electric Power
Cables Ltd chose to establish a £350 million high voltage cable
manufacturing facility in the area - with Nigg serving as the
primary export facility.
Deputy First Minister said:
“This is a prime example of how we and our enterprise agencies
are focused on stimulating investment and targeting projects that
will in turn act as a catalyst to further investment, jobs and
opportunities.
“Given its location and being part of Inverness and Cromarty
Firth Green Freeport, The Port of Nigg is strategically important
to the growth and success of the offshore wind sector. An
investment of this nature sends a clear signal to investors that
Scotland is open for business, and the Scottish Government and
our partners stand ready to help unleash the enormous economic
benefits of our offshore wind industry.”
HIE's director of strategic projects David Oxley, said:
“Our support for this project is about keeping the UK and the
Highlands and Islands region at the forefront of the energy
sector, particularly renewable energy, and strengthening our
international competitiveness.
“There are many obvious benefits for the region's economy and job
creation. I'm delighted we've been able to facilitate further
Scottish Government funding and look forward to continuing our
collaboration with our public sector partners and industry as the
project develops.”
Chairman of Global Energy Group Roy MacGregor, said:
“We welcome this significant investment from HIE and the Scottish
Government, which reinforces their commitment to strengthening
Scotland's offshore wind supply chain. Since acquiring Nigg in
2011, we have invested more than £120 million in transforming the
facility into a world-class offshore wind superhub, ensuring it
remains at the forefront of the energy transition.
“Today, renewables account for half of our revenue at both GEG
and Nigg, underlining the critical role this sector plays in our
business and the wider economy. Strategically positioned to
support Scotland's future offshore wind projects through ScotWind
and INTOG, Nigg will drive sustainable job creation and long-term
economic prosperity for the Highlands.”
Background
This project is being led by Global Energy Nigg Limited, a
subsidiary of Global Energy Group (which acquired the Port of
Nigg in 2011) and the agreed HIE funding is subject to
formal approval by the company.
The Port of Nigg project is expected to create around five jobs
directly while supporting more than a hundred downstream at Nigg
in further supply chain activity at the port.
Sumitomo's decision to base a facility in Scotland was secured
with £24.5 million
investment from the Scottish Government, HIE and
Scottish Enterprise and is expected to create around 330
jobs over the next 10 year
Recent investments made as part of the Scottish Government's
commitment of up to £500 million include:
Scottish Ministers will host a Global Offshore Wind
Investment Forum today as part of a Green Industrial
Strategy commitment to raise the profile of Scotland as
a destination for capital investment.
Contact Information
Scottish Government
Fraser Briton, Media
Manager
Scottish Government
07785 454 724
fraser.briton@gov.scot
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