Scottish Renewables responded to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announcement that the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm, in the Outer Moray Firth, has been awarded an investment contract.
Lindsay Leask, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said:
“It is greatly encouraging to see a Scottish offshore wind project selected for an early investment contract by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
“Having received planning consent from the Scottish Government in March, to now get an early Contract for Difference gives the Beatrice project the certainty of support we’ve been calling for from the UK Government.
“With our huge offshore wind resource, it is not unrealistic to expect to see a number of Scottish offshore wind projects receive planning consent and secure financial support by the end of the year.
“This decision will help kick-start the offshore wind sector in Scotland, which has the potential to provide thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of inward investment to our country, while also making a significant contribution to Scotland’s ambitious 2020 renewable energy targets.”
Press Release, April 23, 2014; Image: scottishrenewables