Supply chain companies in the renewable energy sector are being encouraged to register their details for advanced notice of potential contracts related to a major offshore wind project in Argyll.
The call comes after a ‘well attended, lively and engaging’ supply chain event held last week at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS) in the European Marine Science Park, Dunstaffnage near Oban.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Argyll and Bute Council hosted the event, which was organised by the DeepWind Cluster in partnership with ScottishPower Renewables.
The purpose of the day was to share information about upcoming opportunities relating to the MachairWind project being developed west of Islay, and to showcase the expertise among local businesses available to support the project.
Developer, ScottishPower Renewables, shared information about the project, what the supply chains needs will be, and how local companies might benefit.
Around 100 people attended, representing supply chain businesses working in the marine economy, manufacturers, and fabricators, as well as businesses working in logistics, civils and property. As well as businesses from Argyll and the Islands there was also representation from further afield.
MachairWind is ScottishPower’s first offshore windfarm off the coast of Argyll. It has a proposed generating capacity of 2GW, which is enough clean, green electricity to power the equivalent of more than two million homes across the UK. This is expected to make a significant contribution to achieving Scotland’s and the UK’s net zero targets.
Morag Goodfellow, HIE area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said:
“The MachairWind project is a major opportunity for Argyll and the Islands. there’ll be many local contractors in the supply chain who are well placed to benefit from this. This in turn will strengthen rural employment and community resilience.
“That’s why we hosted this event. It was very well attended, lively and engaging, which was great to see. ScottishPower Renewables provided lots of information about the MachairWind project, its timeline and requirements. There was plenty input from supply chain companies focusing on the expertise that’s available to support the project’s development.
“The next stage is for companies to register with the project web portal, so they can tap into the opportunities as and when they arise. That’s what we’re encouraging companies to do as soon as they can.”
Keira Wilson ScottishPower Renewable’s senior project manager for the MachairWind project, said:
“It was fantastic to attend the West Coast Supply Chain Event in Dunstaffnage last week and to see so much interest in MachairWind.
“It was great to get a better understanding of how the skills, capabilities and experience across the Scottish supply chain fit with what’s required for our first offshore windfarm in Argyll and Bute.”
Companies can register on the SPR offshore wind web page
Related Articles
Argyll chocolate firm expands to meet growing demand
Fetcha Chocolates Limited is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Argyll marine firm scales up with new high tech survey vessel
The project by Oban based Tritonia Scientific Limited will support four jobs and is forecast to increase the company’s turnover by more than £1m within three years.
Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
Scottish aquaculture industry gears up for Aqua Nor 2025
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will return to Norway to host the Scottish Pavilion at Aqua Nor 2025.
Argyll firm to create eDNA lab for aquaculture sector
Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban.
New support programme launched for food and drink sector
Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.
Lochaber fabrication firm in further expansion
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.
Advanced technology will give Caithness firm a competitive edge
The new Leica scanner will enable Envision to offer a broader range of services to existing and new clients.
Project to market a safer sustainable bulk bag
The new product has been developed by Dunoon-based former construction industry director Allister Wood