Innovative businesses based across Scotland’s island and coastal communities will have the chance to benefit from the opportunities offered by the offshore wind sector when a dedicated industry supply chain programme opens this week.
Created by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, in partnership with the developers of four major Scottish offshore wind farm projects – MachairWind, Spiorad na Mara, Stoura and Arven – the Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) Island programme will offer fully-funded, expert support to help eligible companies succeed in the offshore wind industry, both at home and abroad.
The first programme dedicated specifically to island businesses, it builds on the success of ORE Catapult’s wider award-winning Fit for Offshore Renewables (F4OR) programme which was established in 2019 and is now one of the UK’s most successful supply chain mentoring programmes. The programme is open to businesses looking to break into the offshore sector, scale up an existing presence in the industry, or make the transition to renewables from the likes of the oil and gas sector.
It has supported more than 150 companies over the last five years who have, on average, experienced an increase in turnover of 28% as a result of securing new contracts and many have gone on to become market-leading suppliers to the offshore wind sector.
The new programme has been tailored to better fit the business demographics of Scottish island and coastal-based businesses, with changes to the entry requirements to make it more accessible and plans to deliver more support at the winning businesses’ operational locations to reduce the need for travel.
Up to ten companies will be selected to join the F4OR Island programme.
Andy Macdonald, Director – Development & Operations at ORE Catapult, said:
'Scotland’s islands have a proud history of technology innovation and engineering prowess coupled with an enviable depth of specialist expertise gained servicing the oil and gas sector. They are therefore ideally equipped to make the transition to the growing offshore wind sector and we would encourage companies developing innovative technology solutions to apply for this latest programme.
'This opportunity has been in collaboration with our industry partners, ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), Ocean Winds, Northland Power and ESB who share our ambitions to support the clean energy transition, help accelerate the growth in offshore renewable energy and progress the UK’s net zero ambitions.'
Kiera Wilson, ScottishPower Renewables’ MachairWind Development Lead, said:
'It’s great to be working with ORE Catapult and fellow ScotWind developers to bring this exciting opportunity to life for our island and coastal communities. We know from speaking to many local businesses in the vicinity of our MachairWind windfarm – located off the coast of Islay and Colonsay – that there is a huge amount of interest in how they can make the most of their fantastic skills, capabilities and experience to tap into the offshore wind industry and join us in delivering a clean energy future. I would urge all eligible businesses to apply and I’m excited to see who comes forward.'
Ewan Walker, Project Director at Arven Offshore Wind Farm said:
' Arven is committed to advancing floating offshore wind and supporting the local businesses and communities that are key to its success. The F4OR programme offers island companies valuable expertise to help them strengthen their capabilities and access opportunities in the growing offshore wind sector. We’re proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing island-based businesses contribute to Scotland’s sustainable energy transition.'
Neil Carthy, Offshore Development Procurement Lead, Spiorad na Mara, said:
'We are delighted to support this F4OR programme specifically for island businesses. With the proposed Spiorad na Mara project sited off the west coast of Lewis, we are eager to work with, and support, the local supply chain to be part of the great opportunity it represents for island businesses and the local economy. This tailored programme can go a long way towards positioning local companies to take advantage of this opportunity, and others in the future.'
Cian Desmond, Stoura Project Director, ESB said:
'We are delighted to partner with ORE Catapult to deliver this innovative program which will help to maximise local content during the development, construction and operation of the 500 MW Stoura Offshore Wind Farm. The marine and engineering expertise and infrastructure available in Shetland are world class, this program will help to ensure that the relevant organisations understand the needs of the offshore wind energy industry and are primed to secure future contracts.'
Under the F4OR programme, companies undergo a rigorous evaluation process comprising health and safety standards, environmental sustainability practices, project management capabilities and financial stability, as well as their applicability to the renewable energy market.
For more information on the F4OR programme and to submit an Expression of Interest, please click here.
A F4OR Scottish Islands briefing webinar will take place on Thursday, 6 February 2025. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Source: Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult
