Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said he had “concerns” about the lack of local jobs provided by certain offshore wind projects. Mr Wheelhouse said he and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had identified “specific” projects the government felt had not delivered in the areas in which they operate. He urged developers to work in partnership with the Scottish Government to create more local supply chain opportunities. He was speaking during the All-Energy conference in Glasgow. Mr Wheelhouse said: “We have concerns about how little content has come from some specific projects. Mr Wheelhouse and Mr Mackay met wind developers, trade unions and supply chain firms earlier this month. Following the summit Mr Mackay said the Scottish Government would investigate options for including the provision of more supply chain companies, after Scottish manufacturing firm Burntisland Fabrication (BiFab) was overlooked in favour of foreign firms for a number of high profile north-east offshore wind contracts. Mr Wheelhouse claimed local firms were seeing a “poor market share” from offshore wind projects, adding that the current situation “isn’t good enough”. He added last night: “Developers can help us help them by working with us to ensure the supply chain is as competitive as possible.
Energy Voice 17th May 2019 read more »