Arup appointed to lead offshore wind collaboration on ports and manufacturing

• SOWEC and SIM Programme Manager (Arup) have today launched a call for applications for the Strategic Investment Model (SIM)
• An application window of three weeks is open for infrastructure projects to submit initial proposals to the SIM
• The SIM application process is focused on high-value capital projects of £50m+ which will be critical for delivery of Scotland’s offshore wind pipeline and supply chain ambitions

Issued under embargo: for use after 09:05, 11/05/2023

SOWEC has today opened the application process for the SIM, following announcement of the launch by Energy Minister Gillian Martin MSP at the All Energy Conference & Exhibition in Glasgow. The SIM programme is being managed by leading sustainability consultancy Arup.

The goal of the Strategic Investment Model (SIM) is to identify and agree investment priorities necessary to deliver the ScotWind and wider offshore wind pipeline and to maximise Scottish supply chain benefits.

The launch of Stage One means ports and supply chain companies are being invited to submit proposals for consideration in the SIM. Following receipt of these applications, Arup will work with all ScotWind developers and the Scottish Government to review investment opportunities.

Selected capital projects will then move into a Stage 2 process in Autumn 2023, with interested developers, government, and other partners working collaboratively on individual projects to get projects to final investment decision so that they can be in place and ready to support ScotWind projects later this decade.

SOWEC’s Industry Co-Chair Brian McFarlane of SSE Renewables said “As an industry we know that ScotWind presents a unique opportunity for Scotland. But we also face a number of challenges that we need to overcome, and the best route to doing this is working in collaboration. The opening of the Strategic Investment Model to project applications is a critical milestone in helping reach agreement on what port and manufacturing infrastructure we need to build in Scotland. We then need to work together to help fast track these projects ready to deliver.”

Elliot Wishlade, Project Director, Arup Edinburgh, said: “Arup is working closely with SOWEC, the Scottish Government and Scottish offshore wind developers. We’re pleased to be able to launch the Strategic Investment Model, and we are looking forward to working with ports and the supply chain to help build the case for what and how we invest in Scotland to put the correct infrastructure in place. If projects want to understand what the SIM is and how it could support their investment and growth plans, we would encourage them to come forward and engage with our team and the SIM process.”

Emma Harrick, Head of Energy Transition and Supply Chain at Scottish Renewables, said: “To deliver Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions and secure the country’s position as a global leader in floating offshore wind we urgently need to see investment in Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain including support for critical port infrastructure. The local supply chain will play an important role in delivering Scotland’s huge pipeline of offshore wind projects and by working closely with industry The Scottish Government can create thousands of green jobs. The Strategic Investment Model is expected to provide one of the solutions needed to encourage collaborative supply chain investment and deliver the economic opportunity that home-grown, clean energy projects provide.”

With the SIM process now live, Arup will now work to coordinate an application process, first agreeing priority collaborative proposals with ScotWind developers and the Scottish Government over summer 2023. Following this, a second stage of work will commence in Autumn with developers and government then opting in to work alongside ports and other supply chain companies to establish how to bring these infrastructure investments forward so they are ready in time for ScotWind deployment later this decade.

Editors Notes

• The Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) is a collaboration between the Scottish public sector and the offshore wind industry. SOWEC has a clear vision and goals which is focused on growing the sector, ensuring the Scottish offshore wind industry is more sustainable, competitive, and commercially-attractive, both domestically and in the global offshore wind market.
• SOWEC’s mission is to coordinate and grow the sector, ensuring the Scottish offshore wind industry is more sustainable, competitive, and commercially-attractive, both domestically and in the global offshore wind market.
• More information on the Strategic Investment Modal can be found at: https://www.offshorewindscotland.org.uk/the-scottish-offshore-wind-industry/sowec/sim/
• The SIM Programme Manager is sustainable development consultancy Arup. Arup was appointed to this role following a tender process run by Crown Estate Scotland on behalf of SOWEC. Arup is a collective of designers, consultants and experts working globally. Founded to be humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners, using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world.

To follow up on this press release please contact Maf Smith, Lumen Energy & Environment, maf.smith@lumenee.cc / 07768 531501

https://www.offshorewindscotland.org.uk/the-scottish-offshore-wind-industry/sowec/sim/