FIRST Minister John Swinney has announced a £5 million grant to accelerate a “landmark” green energy project in Orkney.
Plans to create a major new renewables hub on the islands are to receive a grant to help with the cost of developing a new harbour facility where offshore wind turbines could be developed at Scapa Flow – one of the largest natural harbours in the northern hemisphere.
It is hoped that this Scapa Deep Water Quay development will help to attract further investment to the area, creating a new hub for offshore wind power which could support the expansion of wind power projects in the seas off both Scotland and Europe.
The funding is being made available by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and is part of £500m pledged by the Scottish Government to develop the offshore wind supply chain over the next five years.
Swinney announced the cash as he made his first visit to Orkney since becoming First Minister last year.
He said: “Accelerating Scotland’s offshore wind capabilities is crucial as we prioritise maximising Scotland’s vast potential in renewable energy.
“Not only are we striving to take our place at the forefront of the global green energy revolution, investments like this help us guarantee a just transition for our existing skilled workforce, maintaining their vital role in Scotland’s energy landscape.
“This landmark project will help attract private investment in the area, creating new highly paid jobs and unlocking enormous economic opportunities for the Orkney Islands and Scotland as a whole.”
The First Minister added: “This is another example of how, together with local government and our partners, we are delivering on our collective priorities of growing the economy and protecting the planet.”
Graeme Harrison, head of marine energy at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, stated: “Scotland has been at the forefront of renewable energy development and Orkney has been at the heart of this for the past 20 years.
“The planned Scapa Deep Water Quay is set to help advance the industry to the next level. It will help attract inward investment, create jobs and drive economic growth in Orkney, the Highlands and Islands and across Scotland, as well as contributing to the country’s net zero ambitions.”
Heather Woodbridge, the leader of Orkney Islands Council, meanwhile said the funding showed the “Scottish Government’s understanding of the importance of the energy sector, not only here in Orkney but to Scotland as a whole”.
Woodbridge said: “Development of facilities in Scapa Flow could deliver considerable economic benefits to the area – especially as we look to counterbalance any potential downturn in the oil industry.”
