The Scottish Low Carbon Investment Conference

At the request of Ministers, Scottish Enterprise, with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, has led the development of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP).

This report sets out a spatial framework of first phase sites required to support the development of the offshore renewables industry (wind, wave and tidal). It distinguishes the infrastructure needs of the offshore wind and wave and tidal sector in terms of both timing and nature/location of infrastructure.

It also sets out an approach to move to early, appropriate private and public investment in infrastructure at first phase port locations.

Below is the ‘Conclusions and Next Steps’ from the N-RIP report:

The development of the offshore renewables industry is an economic growth opportunity that can bring benefits to many areas of Scotland.

To take this opportunity there is a need to bring forward a first phase of locations that establish a competitive position for Scotland in this market. As the industry develops, and builds on existing strengths, a wider range of locations will play important roles.

The total capital expenditure for offshore wind projects for developing 30GW of offshore wind in the UK is an estimated £72bn to £84bn. In Scottish Territorial Waters alone capital expenditure is an estimated £15bn to £18bn 2010-2020. Initial focus on a first phase of locations will complement other actions drawing on Scotland’s energy and engineering expertise that are geared to ensuring that Scotland benefits from this opportunity.

Stage 1 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan process has identified first phase locations that can service offshore wind industry needs. This spatial framework of first phase sites has been developed using criteria based on industry demands and the ability to move to address these in the relatively short window of opportunity. For wave and tidal, following further discussions with lease holders, first phase locations related to the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Area will be identified.

To make these sites fit for use requires investment in infrastructure. Stage 2 will finalise investment plans for these first phase locations. Industry stakeholders have considered the conclusions of the N-RIP and broadly endorsed the approach. Stakeholders have emphasised the need to move quickly to delivery of sites, to ensure that planning and consenting processes aid the delivery of sites and have asked for ongoing strategic dialogue following the model pursued in the development of N-RIP to date.

If the above has piqued your interest and you want to know more, click here for the full report.

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