SOWEC appoints new industry co-chair

Claire has been chief executive of Scottish Renewables since 2017. She is responsible for leading the organisation’s work to grow Scotland’s renewable energy industry and maintaining its position as a global leader in clean power. As well as co-chairing SOWEC, Claire is a member of the First Minister’s Scottish Energy Advisory Board. She also sits on both the UK Government Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce and Electricity Networks Delivery Forum.

Acting Minister for Climate Action Alasdair Allan said:
“Offshore wind is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s economic development agenda and the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) is vital to driving forward action in support of the sector. 
 
“I am pleased to welcome Claire Mack’s appointment as SOWEC Industry co-chair and look forward to working with her to help ensure the sector continues to create high-quality jobs, reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions and benefits our communities.
 
“My thanks also to outgoing co-chair Brian McFarlane for his years of dedicated service and all that has been achieved under his leadership.”

Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:
“Offshore wind is one of Scotland’s key assets and our ability to turn our 40GW pipeline into successfully delivered projects is pivotal to our environmental and economic aspirations.
 
“As I step into the role of co-chair at SOWEC during this critical point for Scotland’s £4 billion offshore wind sector, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Brian McFarlane, for his untiring dedication and contribution to the sector.
 
“Looking forward to the coming year there are key actions we need to take to enable the next steps of Scotland’s success in delivering offshore projects.  I’m confident that industry, with the backing and support of both the Scottish and UK governments, has the expertise, ability and tools available to do so.” 

SOWEC was established to lead collaboration between the private and public sector to grow Scotland’s offshore wind market. Its target is to deliver 11GW of fixed and floating offshore wind in Scottish waters by 2030.

Brian McFarlane, head of offshore development, SSE Renewables announced his intention to step down as SOWEC industry co-chair late last year.  Since SOWEC’s inception in 2019, Brian has acted on behalf of Scotland’s offshore wind industry to drive forward SOWEC’s mission to coordinate and grow the sector. Under his leadership, SOWEC has commissioned influential publications, such as the Strategic Investment Assessment, and cemented sector collaboration through the Offshore Wind Collaborative Framework Charter. 

Brian McFarlane says:
“Collaboration is fundamental to the offshore wind industry meeting its full potential and SOWEC plays an important role in bringing the private and public sector together. We need strong leadership of the partnership to tackle challenges and make the most of opportunities during this critical period and Claire brings a wealth of experience in renewables. 
 
“Thank you to all those who have contributed to SOWEC’s work during my time as co-chair and I wish Claire the best of luck as she takes up her new position.”