Commenting on the awarding of the latest ScotWind leasing round, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“The ScotWind leasing programme has the potential to be a game changer for Scotland’s businesses and today marks an important step in supporting Scotland’s renewable energy and net-zero ambitions.
“ScotWind has the potential to bring in billions of pounds of investment into the Scottish economy, providing a springboard for recovery from the economic damage of the pandemic, whilst also securing a true Just Transmission for businesses and employees currently involved in the Oil and Gas sector as we pivot away from carbon intensive industries by 2045.
“As well as significant investment, there will be an unrivalled opportunity to create thousands of new skilled green jobs and to train, retrain and upskill employees form other sectors to support the off-shore renewables industry.
“The beneficial impact of ScotWind projects will be felt right across Scotland’s business community, through increased investment opportunities, improved and strengthened supply chains and giving our energy mix greater resilience.
“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network looks forward to working with the sector to support their ambitions and ensure Scotland’s businesses, people and economy can all equally benefit from this unique opportunity.”
Commenting on the ScotWind leasing award, Stewart Nicol of Inverness Chamber of Commerce said:
“Businesses in Inverness and across the North of Scotland will welcome this announcement with open arms.
“The Port of Cromarty Firth in Invergordon is incredibly strategically well placed to support the development of the new off-shore renewable sites which will bring significant levels of investment and job creation to the Highlands over the next decade.
“The Highlands are already home to the skills and training opportunities that will be required to meet the demands of these project at scale and pace and businesses here also hope we can benefit from an influx of new jobs and investment.
“To support the sector effectively however its vital that the Scottish Government support the Highlands through the completion of the A9 and A96 upgrade projects as a matter of urgency to improve business connectivity, whilst also investing in support for rail and air links.
“Businesses and communities in the Highlands must benefit from the millions of pounds of investment linked to ScotWind and Inverness Chamber of Commerce will continue to play a vital role in connecting local businesses with the rapidly developing off-shore renewables sector.”
View the list of successful project partners here.
View the map of awarded sites here.