Floating offshore wind developers Renantis, BlueFloat Energy, and Ørsted have given their support for a skills and innovation hub for the floating offshore wind sector in the Scottish Highlands.
The trio has become the first developers to join the board of the PowerHouse, which was established last year by Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF), winners of the bid for a Green Freeport.
The planned national centre for renewable energies training and skills will focus on developing the skills needed to work in the floating wind and green hydrogen industries, helping to meet the needs of companies that are expected to create tens of thousands of new roles in the emerging sector, BlueFloat said.
“We believe Scotland can successfully transition its oil and gas expertise into the floating offshore wind sector. However, it is vital that as the offshore wind sector rapidly develops in Scotland and the UK, the industry has the skilled workforce it will need”, said Richard Dibley , speaking on behalf of the Renantis, BlueFloat Energy, and Ørsted consortium.
“That expertise already exists in the north of Scotland in fabrication and manufacturing facilities as well as its technological capabilities, maximising the opportunity to create a pipeline of quality jobs.”
The three developers are among 40 organisations from across the supply chain backing the PowerHouse, along with a number of academic partners and other private training providers.