Crown Estate Scotland Sets New Seabed Leasing Plan

Scotland's new leasing round for offshore wind projects is likely to fully launch in October, according to Crown Estate Scotland.

This means that the new leasing round, to be called ScotWind Leasing, will then be open for submitting applications for developments.

Crown Estate Scotland said there will also be a pre-launch in July, which will provide details about the leasing and ensure that the involved people and organizations have the necessary information ahead of final launch.

The proposed deadline for applications will be between February and April 2020, while offers of option agreements to successful applicants following the publication of the Final Sectoral Plan adopted by Scottish Ministers will take place between May and July the same year.

The final timings of the leasing are directly linked to the development of Marine Scotland’s Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind.

“Scotland has the potential to be a major focus for offshore wind activity in the coming years," said John Robertson, Senior Development Manager for Crown Estate Scotland.

“We want to provide clarity around our leasing proposals. We’ll continue to liaise closely with the industry and others in the coming months, and we’ll confirm the exact launch date in due course.”

Further updates on intended timing will be issued in July, Crown Estate Scotland said.