Caireen McGhee

Scotland's commitment to advancing offshore wind energy continues to gain momentum with Montrose Port Authority's latest expansion initiative. The acquisition of new sites is set to enhance the region's capacity to support the burgeoning offshore wind sector, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of renewable energy generation. This development is not only crucial in aligning with the UK's net-zero goals but also promises to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. You can read more about this exciting development here: https://lnkd.in/eXJrCWzp As the offshore wind industry evolves, it is essential for ports to adapt and grow alongside these changes. The investments in infrastructure and facilities at Montrose reflect a broader trend across the sector, with various ports worldwide recognising the need to support wind farm developments. For instance, the recent advancements made by the Port of Amsterdam and the investments being made at Grimsby Docks further underscore the urgency with which the industry is moving towards sustainable energy solutions. What does this mean for the future of renewable energy in our communities? With estimates suggesting offshore wind could provide as much as 30% of the UK’s electricity by 2030, the potential for growth is immense. 🌊🔋 Companies operating in this space should consider how they can play a role in this transition, whether through collaboration with port authorities or investing in innovative technologies. Let’s keep the momentum going! How can we further leverage such expansions to enhance offshore wind capabilities? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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Scotland's designation of two green freeports, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) and Forth Green Freeport (FGF), is pivotal in driving the growth of its offshore wind industry, particularly as it scales up to accommodate larger floating turbines in the deep waters of the North Sea. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ge6qYNF7 As defined by the UK Government, a freeport is centred around one or more air, rail or seaport in England, which can extend up to 45km beyond the port. The area will have measures including tax relief for businesses and employer national insurance contributions for more employees. For the growing offshore wind industry in Scotland, the advantages of having these freeports include: 🏗️ close proximity of deep-water ports to the offshore wind development areas in the North Sea, combined with established industrial bases and major development land for wind turbine components to be manufactured near a port, instead of having to transport a 100-metre blade across long distances. 👷🏻 strengthening of supply chain where offshore wind project developers can use components manufactured in Scotland and rely on local engineering expertise; ⚓ existing port infrastructure with water depths of 22 metres to provide sufficient clearance for the heaviest vessels, especially with bigger and heavier turbines being installed on water; 🚢 less traffic close to the North Sea, allowing vessels to travel in and out of the ports relatively easily; and 🧑🏻‍🔬 keen focus on R&D at the freeport to keep innovations flowing, bringing together the brightest talent from industry, academia and government to support advances in offshore wind technology and processes. Cyan Renewables, through Sentinel Marine Ltd, is primed to leverage these freeports, supplying the specialised vessels needed to maintain supply chain continuity and ensure the seamless operation of offshore wind projects. By tapping into these freeports, we are committed to facilitating the global transition to sustainable offshore wind energy and a cleaner, greener future for all. #OffshoreWind #MaritimeLeadership #MaritimeExcellence #MaritimeIndustry #GlobalMaritime #Shipping #EnergyTransition #Sustainability #NetZero #RenewableEnergy #GreenEnergy #MaritimeSG #ScotlandOffshoreWind #UKOffshoreWind #FloatingWind #TheFutureIsFloating

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What a way to kick off All-Energy Exhibition and Conference! As announced this morning, we’ve joined forces with ports and harbours throughout the country as part of Scottish Offshore Wind Ports Alliance (SOWPA). Scotland’s offshore wind industry is growing rapidly and despite high levels of optimism, we recognise this growth will create industry-wide challenges. Ports and harbours throughout the country will be vital to Scotland's energy transition so it is essential we exchange knowledge to address shared obstacles. This morning, SOWPA Chair Iain Sinclair, said - “It is widely recognised that ports have a critical enabling role in the industrialisation and deployment of offshore wind in the UK. Today’s announcement demonstrates that ports are motivated to take the initiative, work proactively and diligently together, and align with the whole offshore wind ecosystem, to maximise the localisation of the supply chain requirements. “SOWPA’s collective capability, knowledge and expertise is a world-leading value proposition. We have a willingness and appetite to enhance our competitiveness, address supply chain challenges and deliver against Scotland and the UK’s offshore wind ambitions.” Learn more 👉 sowpa.co.uk #orkney #orkneyfutureports #energyoforkney #renewables #energy #sowpa #scotwind #netzero #offshorewind

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Rethinking and reuse in the offshore wind Industry: A circular Approach to sustainable energy 👇 As the offshore wind industry plays a key role in the global transition to renewable energy, it is necessary to incorporate circular practices to decrease the environmental impact caused at the end of the windfarms lifecycle. Here are 3 core principles for circular economy when it comes to Offshore Windfarms: https://lnkd.in/e5ehaKMp #iPS #iPSPowerfulPeople #CircularEconomy #Circularity #Rethinking #Reuse #Offshore #OffshoreWindfarms #OffshoreWindIndustry #RenewableEnergy #EndLifecycle

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The Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce met for the first time this week, chaired by the Energy Secretary and Matthieu Hue, our CEO. The Taskforce will drive action across industry and Government to unblock barriers to rapidly increase onshore wind capacity. It follows off the back of yesterday's announcement increasing the budget for this year’s renewables auction. Commenting on the first meeting, Matthieu said: “Onshore wind is already playing a vital role in the UK and is one of the most cost-effective forms of new electricity generation but more must be done to unlock its full potential. By bringing industry and government together, the taskforce is focused on creating practical solutions to overcome barriers to accelerate our journey to achieving net zero. So, let’s get to work.” https://ow.ly/pa4a50SP6Gi #AcceleratingCleanEnergy #OnshoreWind #OnshoreWindTaskforce

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The sixth Contract for Difference (CfD AR6) auction saw 131 projects securing 9.6GW of renewable capacity. A record-breaking auction, but how did each technology fare & are we on track with government targets?   OFFSHORE WIND: 4.9GW secured, bringing the estimated total capacity built or contracted to be built under the CfD (or previous schemes) to 28.6GW. While this marks progress, it remains way below the ~55GW target set by the government as part of its 2030 ambition to quadruple offshore wind capacity.    The price achieved in this round underscores the value of competitive auctions, with offshore wind strike prices for new build sites coming in more than 19% below the cap. However, still well above the record lows seen in AR4.   FLOATING OFFSHORE WIND: Secured 400MW of contracts in AR6 with the largest commercial floating offshore wind project in the world. However, it falls short of the 5GW 2030 target outlined in the Green Prosperity Plan.   Its price remains well above fixed bottom offshore wind sites as it is less established.   SOLAR POWER: One of the most successful technologies with 3.3GW secured, pushing total operational and future contracted CfD capacity to 23.3GW. This is due to a strong pipeline of assets and its competitive edge over onshore wind. However, this remains well below the 50GW target.   The price achieved was above both AR4 and AR5, reflecting the increase in maximum allowed prices.   ONSHORE WIND: Saw comparatively smaller volumes awarded (1.0GW), with most contracts going to Scottish sites. Planning restrictions and high network charges remain a challenge. Changes to planning rules may alter this trend, but it could take time. It achieved a price slightly below the AR5 but well above the AR4, reflective of rising trends in development costs.   TIDAL STREAM: 28MW secured, with prices down 13% from the previous auction, but remaining well above those for more established technologies.   CONSUMER COSTS: £1.285bn budget used. This will be levied on electricity bills under current arrangements, but the true costs to consumers will depend on energy market conditions when the assets become operational. Transparency to consumers on the costs and benefits of this and future auctions is important to ensure consumer buy-in on net zero.   CONCLUSION: We have seen strong progress, with prices that are both above record lows but below allowed maximums. However, there remains a significant gap between contracted capacity and the amount needed to meet ambitious 2030 targets.   With AR7 opening in March, the government must focus on enabling more projects to secure planning permission and grid connections to ensure a sufficient pipeline for future development. Essential not just for meeting our climate goals but also for competition.   Read our full response: https://bit.ly/3AZrl0j   Are you involved in developing or investing in CfD assets? Find out more about our CfD consultancy services: https://bit.ly/4cT2RmG

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UK pension manager Railpen and Scottish renewables company GreenPower Developments Ltd. have formed a new joint venture to co-develop the c.66 MW Barachander onshore wind project in North Argyll, Scotland. Railpen and GreenPower are already working together as co-owners of the 46MW operational Carraig Gheal Wind Farm, with the Barachander wind project being developed as a sister project. Barachander is currently at the pre-planning consultation stage and the two companies aim to submit a planning application later this year. “Our partnership with Railpen is a very positive one, and it is brilliant that our own independent Scottish company and the country’s railway workers can combine our resources in this way, to not just create new green energy, but to make a difference to people locally and nationally,” said Robert Forrest, GreenPower CEO. “The Barachander Wind Farm is proposed in a good location for a relatively modest number of turbines with good energy yield. We are also creating the Argyll Hydrogen Hub in the region, and Barachander can play a part in this powerhouse for clean renewable energy in the north of Argyll.” Tim Grimstone, Investment Manager at Railpen, added: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with GreenPower. Barachander represents an attractive opportunity to participate in the development of a significant onshore wind project, adding to our existing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the UK. “Railpen aims to provide long term returns for our members whilst having a positive impact on the world in which they live. The Government’s recent push to accelerate onshore and offshore wind development aligns perfectly with our goals, including our pledge to achieve Net Zero across our investment portfolio by 2050. Partnering with the team at GreenPower helps us to achieve these goals, while the Barachander project itself will also provide substantial social and economic benefits.” The Barachander development will be located within an upland area next to an existing hydroelectric scheme. The area already hosts a major commercial forestry plantation and the wind farm will key hole into it. Between nine and 11 wind turbines at up to 180 metres tall from ground level to the top of the blade tip are planned. The Barachander project will meet current Scottish Government guidance to provide the equivalent of £5,000 per MW of installed generating capacity annually into a community benefit fund, potentially amounting to over £300,000 per year to be invested into community priorities and projects. #cleanenergy

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🎉 CALEDONIA Offshore Wind Farm is approaching a critical project milestone, and there are still lots of exciting updates to come! 🗞️ Don’t miss the latest news, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. Keep up to date with the project as it continues to progress and find out more about the team behind the Caledonia project. Subscribe to receive quarterly updates here 👉https://lnkd.in/eSbZ7NQn #Caledonia #Newsletter #OffshoreWind #ProjectUpdates

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With offshore wind expected to lead the future of North Sea energy, especially with floating turbines, and Scotland's project pipeline boasting a substantial 45 gigawatts of offshore wind power, the outlook is promising 📈 Just last month, Adrian Gillespie, our CEO, was pleased to announce our domestic arm Scottish Enterprise's partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, in a fantastic vote of confidence for Scotland's capabilities 🤝 Hyundai Heavy Industries is the world's largest shipbuilding company and a key equipment manufacturer for the offshore wind supply chain. This collaboration strengthens Scotland's expertise in floating offshore wind substructure production 👏 Hannae Choi, Senior Vice President of Corporate Planning Division and Wind Energy Business at Hyundai Heavy Industries, expressed, “We aim to expand the market by leveraging our world-class expertise in designing and manufacturing floating structures.” Explore our massive offshore wind opportunities and discover what Scotland can offer your energy company 👉 https://ow.ly/LMwF50RNlug #ScotlandIsNow #Renewables

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Demand for training in our fast-moving renewable energy sector is growing. Hear how three businesses are training new entrants to the wind industry via Skills Bootcamps: https://lnkd.in/etgSUF9w The Wind Academy | Renewable Field Services | Advanced Blade Repair Services (Global)

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How do you safeguard the structural health of your offshore wind farm? Get the answers in our article on PAGE 50 in the recent issue of PES Wind. See you soon at WindEnergy Hamburg 👍 #OffshoreWind #SeaStateAsAService #KnowYourWaves #RealTimeInsights #SHM #StructuralAnalysis #PredictiveMaintenance #MirosCloud

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Calling all Scottish based companies. Are you interested in becoming part of a £80bn supply chain opportunity? The Scottish offshore wind industry is gearing up to deliver another 35 offshore wind projects in Scottish waters. Development and construction of these projects will take us into the middle of the next decade and they will require servicing for another 20-25 years after that with the potential to be repowered for another 20 years of operation beyond then. Scotland is a world leader in the development of floating wind with a huge future export market for this technology. Our oil and gas floating and subsea expertise fits very well into floating wind and we already have a significant number of such members in DeepWind. The DeepWind offshore wind cluster turned 5 years old on the 1st of April and is now the largest offshore wind supply chain cluster in Europe with 891 members. Our 38 member developer group not only represent all Scottish offshore wind assets but also every offshore wind asset in the UK. That's a £140bn plus UK market. There has never been a better time to get into the offshore wind supply chain. So, what are you waiting for? Join DeepWind today! #scotland #scotwind #subsea #engineering #oilandgas #energytransition #supplychain https://lnkd.in/eWXxU9HP

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GMB and Brindex Warn of North Sea Crisis... --The GMB Union and Brindex have jointly urged the UK government to consider the serious concerns of North Sea oil and gas workers. --Government plans to increase windfall taxes and remove key investment allowances have sparked fears of a "cliff-edge" for the sector. --The industry stresses the need for meaningful dialogue between the government, unions, and operators to ensure a balanced energy transition. --Failure to secure investment in the North Sea will risk thousands of jobs and could jeopardise the energy security of the UK. #NorthSeaOil #EnergySecurity #UKIndustry #OilAndGas

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In the world of wind energy, every project brings its unique set of challenges. From maintaining turbines to optimising performance, the hurdles are many, but so are the opportunities for innovation. What's your biggest challenge in managing wind energy projects? - Predictive maintenance - Performance optimisation - Risk management - Regulatory compliance - Delays - Safety Contact us at [email protected] if you need help, support, to minimize safety, inefficiencies, and saving on costs. #WindEnergy #PredictiveMaintenance #PerformanceOptimisation #RiskManagement #Windplanning #Tracking #Insights

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🚨 B2B Meeting Registration NOW OPEN for Floating Offshore Wind 2024 (FOW 2024) in Aberdeen. 🌊💼 If you’re attending FOW 2024 (9-10th Oct) and want to supercharge your business development with targeted networking, this is your chance! 🎯🤝 🌍 Who’s involved? Innovate UK Business Growth with Enterprise Europe Network colleagues from the UK, Ireland, Spain, France, Denmark, & Finland 🌍 🔗 What’s on offer? 🔹 Showcase your innovative solutions 🔹 Engage in B2B meetings with potential partners across the supply chain 🔹 Connect with key players you might not meet otherwise! 💬 What past attendees have said (from Oceanology International 2024): “The most effective way to meet people you wouldn’t normally meet.” “Incredibly useful to meet people who don’t have stands.” “Easy to register and set up meaningful meetings.” 🛠️ Innovate UK Business Growth can support you: Before the event: Identify contacts, make introductions, & offer market insights 🔍 After the event: Help develop your business, find funding, & grow partnerships 🚀 📅 Webinar Alert: 12 September 2024 Learn more about the B2B sessions & the support available to Scottish SMEs. 👉 Register https://lnkd.in/eFmVDrBe 👉 Register for B2B meetings: https://lnkd.in/ev2ngBhu 🎟️ Please note: You must be registered and have a ticket for FOW 2024 to attend. #FOW2024 #B2BMeetings #OffshoreWind #Innovation #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Sustainability #Aberdeen

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Shoutout to the Ops Managers Keeping the Wind Sector Spinning! Had a brilliant chat recently with an Operations Manager, they casually dropped this little nugget: 98% efficiency achieved this year. Let that sink in, 98%! That kind of result doesn’t just happen. It’s down to proper graft, smart decisions, and keeping everything running like clockwork. Here’s how they nailed it: - Planning like a pro: Regular maintenance schedules meant downtime was kept to an absolute minimum. - Data is king: Constantly digging into turbine performance stats to sort out issues before they snowballed. - Teamwork makes the dream work: Creating a solid team culture where everyone was pushing in the same direction. In renewables, every bit of efficiency counts, not just for the bottom line, but for delivering clean energy to power our lives. Ops Managers like this are the quiet champions making sure turbines keep turning and targets get smashed. So, hats off to all the unsung heroes in the wind sector, you’re literally keeping the lights on (and green)! 💨 What’s been your biggest win this year? Let’s hear it and celebrate those victories!

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https://lnkd.in/eBK_QF6p The Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce has been established to help the UK government achieve its ambition of doubling onshore wind capacity across the UK by 2030. Onshore wind is currently (and for the foreseeable future) one of the best options for delivering lowest cost, secure, low-carbon energy, fast at scale. Good to see ESO also represented on the panel - considering how to reduce grid delays and constraints, and supply chain players, for skin-in the game views on how to improve UK supply chain opportunities. A llongyfarchiadau hefyd, Eleri Davies

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Ever looked at wind turbines and wondered how the heck they are maintained, especially the ones out at sea? Our latest post explains the safety and survival training needed to prepare workers to handle the unique demands of wind energy roles. Read more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/enSyQnBj