SPR is committed to investing in the regions local to our offshore wind developments and part of our supply chain development strategy is to work in collaboration with supply chain companies – from local businesses on the doorstep of our projects, to global companies around the world. We aim to promote the benefit of education, re-skilling, and the development of long-term sustainable employment opportunities within the industry to workers across the local region.
In our ambitious growth plans, local investment and economic benefit is key to our strategy. The MachairWind team will aim to work with local supply chain to leverage their knowledge of the region, as well as provide opportunities to enter the offshore wind industry for those looking to diversify their skill set and offering, which will maximise future opportunities.
We see education as an important way to add value to the region, by collaborating with existing local and national education and skill infrastructures and support initiatives that drive sustainable careers in offshore wind.
Supply Chain Fund
We’ve already confirmed that we will be investing £25 million in a Supply Chain Stimulus Fund as part of the MachairWind project. This is in addition to direct project investment in supply chain facilities and will directly support the Scottish supply chain. The fund will support investment in Scottish infrastructure and facilities for offshore wind and help companies innovate and upskill and become a key part of the clean energy future. Further information about our fund will be shared in due course, so keep up to date here.
Supply Chain Development Statement
Our Supply Chain Development Statement (SCDS) Outlook document – which we submit to the Crown Estate Scotland, can be downloaded here.
The SCDS Outlook sets out our supply chain and skills development plans for MachairWind and is underpinned by a comprehensive investment programme within Scotland and the UK.
Supply Chain Event
We participated in a supply chain event in Oban in July where local Argyll & Bute companies were able to find out about the opportunities available to them and how to get involved. The event began with networking between businesses, a direct update from ScottishPower Renewables and talks from supply chain businesses that have grown from our East Anglia offshore wind projects. Following this, we had sessions from businesses within the local area as well as a focus on skills development and how we can all support the journey to Net Zero. Lastly, we had an engaging meet the expert session, where local supply chain could select parts of the MachairWind team they wanted to hear more about. Overall, the event was very useful to both suppliers and SPR. The MachairWind team will continue to work with local supply chain to leverage their knowledge of the region and provide opportunities to enter the offshore wind industry. Thus, we hope to attend similar events in the future.
Socio-Economic Study
A socio-economic impact study is currently being carried out by Biggar Economics and is designed to map and assess what potential impacts the MachairWind project is likely to have on the communities and economies of Islay, Colonsay, Jura, and the surrounding area (in terms of tourism, jobs, housing, use of local services etc.) So far, Biggar Economics are engaging with council and public body representatives, to discuss the socio-economic history, context, and implications for each of the locations within the study, that are in the Highlands and Islands region. Please keep an eye on the website to see the findings.
A socio-economic impact assessment will also be included within the project Environmental Impact Assessment as part of the consenting process. Updates will be provided on this study throughout the project as it progresses.
In the meantime, if you think your business could support us in any way – at any stage of the MachairWind project – please register your details on our supply chain database so that we know what services are available and where. You can also email our supply chain team at: SPRoffshoresupplychain@scottishpower.com