Energy infrastructure

Priorities

The marine energy sector remains a unique opportunity and key priority for the Highlands and Islands; with the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) the world’s first and only grid connected and accredited testing facility for full-scale wave and tidal energy devices. EMEC is continuing the development of commercial-scale marine energy arrays in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters, utilising the unique and powerful natural marine resources in the area. The world-leading support stemming from EMEC has been crucial in the successful deployment of Simec Atlantis Energy’s 6MW MeyGen Phase 1A tidal array in the Pentland Firth and the Orbital Marine Power 2MW SR2000 tidal turbine - the world’s most powerful turbine of its kind.

Though the oil and gas sector has faced downturn globally and significant restructuring, the ports and harbours in the Highlands and Islands have been extremely resilient in adapting their offering to cover the growing demand for inspection, repair and maintenance of offshore assets. The legacy of oil and gas experience within the region lends itself to the increasing opportunities arising in the decommissioning of oil and gas structures - with Scotland’s Onshore Decommissioning Centre.

Investments

Following years of strategic infrastructure investments within the Highlands and Islands, the region has developed into a vital base for the manufacture, construction and assembly of a range of energy assets, including offshore wind turbines and marine energy devices. In the development of a globally competitive renewable energy sector in Scotland, it is vital to ensure that a range of appropriate sites are available in the right locations to service this industry effectively. Suitable locations are also required to grasp the opportunity to develop operations and maintenance hubs for wind farms located in Scottish waters.

With over £200m of public and private sector investments made in infrastructure sites across the Highlands and Islands since 2010; the region hosts a range of world-leading ports and harbours specifically geared towards the requirements of the renewable energy industry. Clear dividends are now being realised from these investments, with sites involved in globally significant offshore wind projects, such as the £2.6bn Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd (BOWL) off the Caithness coast and the EDPR-led 950MW Moray East offshore windfarm.

Scottish Energy Ports Capability Directory

Working in collaboration with the British Ports Association (BPA) and Scottish Enterprise (SE), we established the Scottish Energy Ports Capability Directory. This searchable database provides up-to-date technical information on active energy industry ports and allows users to examine and compare sites using a range of attributes.

The database showcases Scotland’s infrastructure strengths and capabilities to help maximise growth opportunities and encourage new investment and jobs in Scotland. Managed by the BPA, the directory will ensure users are kept updated with development plans and and can source relevant industry news. Participation in the directory is free and open to all Scottish ports, it can be accessed here.

For more information or if you are interested in participating in the capability directory, please contact - info@britishports.org.uk