Wind Energy – Scotland
According to a new report commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scotland’s offshore wind sector holds an investment potential of over £40 billion, with the region positioned to become the country’s main development hub and a key job creator through to 2040.
The Highlands and Islands are set to become the cornerstone of Scotland’s offshore wind revolution.
A recent report commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) reveals that the sector could attract 40.58 billion pounds in investment, accounting for 40% of all transformational projects identified in the region between 2025 and 2040.
This wave of offshore wind development places the region at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition. As detailed in the report, offshore wind not only dominates in capital investment but also in long-term job creation, generating 17,830 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the construction phase and 1,870 permanent operational roles.
“This is a defining moment to position the Highlands and Islands as the engine of Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions,” highlights the HIE study, which outlines 251 strategic projects under the Regional Transformational Opportunities (RTOs) framework.
The main development areas include the North Sea, Moray Firth, and Aberdeen, as well as initiatives in Orkney, Peterhead, and the Shetland Islands.
This geographic diversification not only maximises wind resource utilisation but also enhances the resilience of Scotland’s energy system.
Key industry players such as SSE Renewables, Ocean Winds, Nadara, and BlueFloat Energy are at the forefront of these initiatives. SSE Renewables alone leads with 8.7 GW of projects under development, followed by major contributions from Fred. Olsen Seawind, Vattenfall, and TotalEnergies.
