Two ports make next stage of floating offshore wind scheme

The UK Government today (March 19) confirmed two port infrastructure projects are closer to securing a share of up to £160m of funding.

To support floating wind development in the UK, the Port of Cromarty Firth and Port Talbot will be taken forward to undergo due diligence as part of the Government's Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS). 

FLOWMIS was established to secure the UK as a leader in floating offshore wind technology. The funding aims to support private investment in port infrastructure with the potential to support the huge pipeline of floating wind projects in Scotland.  

Responding, Emma Harrick, Head of Energy Transition and the Supply Chain at Scottish Renewables, said:

“Strategic investment in Scotland’s ports has been a longstanding ask of the renewable energy industry so it is great to see this fresh investment into the Port of Cromarty Firth. This funding will help to support Scotland’s renewable energy future as the mainstay of clean energy generation in the UK.

“To make the most of FLOWMIS we are urging the UK Government to consider flexibility in the timescales for this scheme as spending deadlines are currently restrictive and do not reflect the investment barriers our ports face.

“A sea of opportunity is on the horizon for Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain and if we are to harness this economic potential it is vital that both the UK and Scottish Government support all strategic ports with a spirit of collaboration.

“Today’s announcement is welcome however this funding is only a drop in the ocean and supply chain support like this needs to be delivered at pace to establish a world-class renewable energy supply chain in Scotland.”

• A copy of Scottish Renewables' recent letter to Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net-Zero hilighting the urgency and importance of port investment is available here. 

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