Scotland's offshore wind route map: developing Scotland's offshore wind industry to 2020

INTRODUCTION

This document has been produced by the Offshore Wind Industry Group ( OWIG) in partnership with Scotland's Offshore Energy Programme Board ⁵ . The role of the Offshore Wind Industry Group is to:

"provide a forum for the public sector ( SG, SE, HIE and SDI), offshore wind developers active in Scotland and other relevant parties to support the emergence of this new industry into Scotland. The role of the Group is to identify and take forward the actions necessary to support this industry in realising the fullest economic and environmental benefits for Scotland."

This is the first time in Scotland that an industry route map has been compiled for the offshore wind sector, however, it hopes to replicate the successful momentum that has resulted from the recent publication and subsequent actions coming from the FREDS Marine Energy Group's ( MEG) Marine Energy Road Map of August 2009 ⁶ . It also complements the Scottish Government's Renewables Action Plan ⁷ , revised in January 2010 and developed with substantial industry input.

The purpose of this Route Map is to illustrate the significant opportunities for Scotland that will emerge from the development of offshore wind in Scotland's waters. With a view to securing as many of these opportunities as possible, this Route Map sets out the challenges and hurdles that will have to be addressed in order to secure the maximum benefit for Scotland in this growing industry. In addressing these challenges, this Route Map contains the recommendations of OWIG on the key actions that need to be addressed to build a strong and sustainable offshore wind industry in Scotland, whilst securing the maximum economic benefits available. The recommendations contained within are made to key players and stakeholders including:

• Scottish and UK Ministers
• Local authorities
• Public bodies, including regulatory, advisory and enterprise agencies
• The private sector itself.

Following publication, OWIG will continue with its programme of work, driven by the recommendations within this Route Map. This programme of work will continue to evolve at a fast pace and significant changes to the programme of work are anticipated as the nature and scale of the challenges and opportunities become clearer. The Offshore Energy Programme Board, at the strategic level, will oversee the work of the OWIG group as it pursues this Route Map's recommendations. As a sub-group of the Energy Advisory Board, the Offshore Energy Programme Board will ensure the key issues surrounding the offshore renewables sector are brought to the attention of the EAB. In addition, OWIG will undertake a fundamental review of progress against these recommendations at the end of 2012.