A trade union has warned that offshore wind projects in Scotland could be “delayed, reduced or cancelled” as the UK Government prepares to publish new infrastructure plans.
What is being planned
The strategic spatial energy plan (SSEP) will set out the best locations for electricity and hydrogen infrastructure from 2030 to 2050. It is being viewed as an important part of efforts to encourage investment.
However, The Scotsman reports that some of the options under consideration could put the future of ScotWind at risk. ScotWind is the offshore wind leasing process for projects in Scottish waters.
Union raises concerns
GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour has written to Miatta Fahnbulleh, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero, to set out the union’s concerns.
She said: “If the SSEP undermines confidence in ScotWind, the industry’s potential to create jobs will dwindle further.
“Getting SSEP right for Scotland will not guarantee new jobs but getting it wrong may sabotage even the hope of them.
“The creation of jobs, protection of skills and strengthening of supply chains in Scotland must be fully considered before any decision is taken.
“If ScotWind, particularly floating offshore wind, is not prioritised, projects may be delayed, reduced or cancelled.
“That risks reduced confidence in the Scottish pipeline, risking fewer contracts and jobs.”
Political reaction
SNP energy minister Stephen Gethins also urged the UK Government to make sure the SSEP reflects Scotland’s offshore wind pipeline.
He said: “The UK government must ensure the upcoming Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) fully reflects Scotland’s established offshore wind pipeline so that Scotland meets its full renewables potential and continues to deliver jobs and investment across the country.
“A final SSEP pathway that does anything less would risk undermining investor confidence in the offshore wind sector and in the wider UK market.
“What we need now is a UK government willing to back the sector to secure jobs, investment, energy security and economic growth that can benefit communities for generations to come in the same way as the Scottish Government has done within our limited powers on energy.”
UK Government response
A UK government spokesperson said: “Floating offshore wind is key to harnessing more of our natural clean energy resources.
“We are working with the National Energy System Operator on delivering the strategic spatial energy plan, which will set out a strategy for how new infrastructure should be spread across the country and create growth in every postcode.”
The SSEP is expected to be central to future decisions on where energy infrastructure is built across the UK, with Scotland’s offshore wind sector watching closely for its impact on projects already in the pipeline.