Deputy First Minister has welcomed the signing of a
partnership between Scottish enterprise agencies and HD Hyundai
Heavy Industries, which will unlock expertise in the design and
manufacture of floating offshore wind substructures.
Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands & Islands Enterprise
(HIE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the company
in Edinburgh, described as a “vote of confidence” in Scotland,
committing each other to pursue opportunities for floating
offshore wind projects here. It is the company's first agreement
in Europe on floating offshore wind manufacturing.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is the world's largest shipbuilding
company and a major manufacturer of equipment such as the
floating substructures that form a critical part of the
multi-billion offshore wind supply chain.
The latest in a series of key developments in the sector, the MoU
follows the First Minister's announcement of strategic investment
of up to £500 million over the next five years to unlock private
investment in ports, manufacturing and assembly work to anchor
the offshore wind supply chain in Scotland.
It also builds on recent announcements of international
investment into the renewable energy supply chain, including the
planned £350 million Sumitomo cable factory in the Port of Nigg,
based in the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport area. Up
to £24.5 million of funding has been committed to this project by
the Scottish Government, SE and HIE.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, who witnessed the MoU
signing, said:
“This partnership agreement is a vote of confidence in Scotland
and our offshore wind industry – demonstrating our ability to
develop the international relationships upon which investment
that will help us reach our climate targets is founded.
“Scotland's offshore wind sector is key to our transition to net
zero and this partnership is the next step forward in realising
the economic opportunities from our floating offshore wind
potential.
“Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise are
playing a vital role in supporting a fair and just transition for
the energy sector. Collaborations between our economic
development agencies and global leaders with world-class
expertise, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, are key to
delivering that ambition. This collaboration will play a key role
in helping Scotland meet its climate targets.”
Senior Vice President of Corporate Planning Division and Wind
Energy Business, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hannae Choi, said:
"We are currently exploring ways to collaborate with various
partners to develop the offshore wind market, including
establishing a manufacturing supply infrastructure.
“We plan to expand the market by leveraging our world-class
know-how in designing and manufacturing floating structures.”
Background
Delivering net zero energy
opportunities – landmark funding to unlock renewables
investment
