Orkney 

The news marks an incredible opportunity for Scotland to firmly establish itself as a global leader in the generation of renewable energy. Early projections show that by the time these new wind farms are constructed, approximately six million tonnes of CO2 will be prevented from entering our atmosphere every year.

Due to its enviable location, Orkney is very well-suited in terms of its geography to support offshore wind developments. When we launched our Masterplan almost two years ago, we couldn't have predicted how much of an impact ScotWind could have on our plans for the future. With a large part of our Masterplan focused on supporting the offshore wind and renewable energy sectors, we have already been liaising with a number of ScotWind bids, as well as colleagues at Orkney Islands Council.

But the benefits of ScotWind doesn't just extend to revolutionising the generation of renewable energy in Scotland. Closer to home, the opportunities ScotWind brings will undoubtedly lead to job creation in the Orcadian community, as well as a boost to our local economy. We'll likely see increased income through harbour dues and the possibility of direct community benefit payments from the wind farms themselves.

Paul Olvhoj is our Business Development Manager at Orkney Harbours Authority and had this to say: “Our Masterplan clearly shows how Orkney can support the whole life cycle of windfarm development from assembly, installation, marshalling, operations and maintenance through to decommissioning.

Join me and over 400 stakeholders at the: Floating Wind and Hydrogen Professionals Group 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/scotwind-announcement-charley-rattan