Weekly Intelligence Brief

Conclusions of the first stage of the development of N-RIP out

11 February 2010

A new report has outlined how Scotland can capitalise on its offshore wind and tidal resources to develop a sustainable and long term industry for the future.

This report sets out the conclusions of the first stage of the development of the National Renewable Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP). It takes forward an issue raised at the Scottish  Energy Advisory Board in May last year. The key issue addressed in the report is the need to ensure that there are appropriate locations available in Scotland for companies that will form the manufacturing supply chain for offshore renewables.

The development of the N-RIP has three stages:

·         Stage 1 - Development of spatial framework of first phase sites

·         Stage 2 - Development of investment plans for first phase sites by Delivery Group facilitated by SE (Scottish Enterprise) / Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), further development of funding approaches and clarity on private and public sector investment support

·         Stage 3 - Delivery of phased investment at first phase sites based on industry demand

The development of appropriate locations is critical to Scotland becoming the base for construction and assembly of wind turbines and marine devices.

If these sites are not available there is the danger that offshore wind developers and wave and tidal manufacturers could source the manufactured equipment for projects which secure Crown Estate leases from outwith Scotland, and outwith the UK. If this happens the economic benefit to Scotland will be minimal.

Priorities for investment to support the wave and tidal sector (device testing, manufacturing, assembly, operations and maintenance) in the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters area will be included in Stage 2 once a further final series of consultations with lease holders has been concluded.

For wave and tidal, the need for sites to support the current testing phase is recognised and a short further stage of industry liaison is set out to move to a clear view on first phase sites.

For tidal devices future key locations could include the Kintyre peninsula, the coastal areas of Galloway and locations in Shetland.

Read more:

Scotland: http://social.tidaltoday.com/search/node/Scotland