Question reference: S5W-01882
- Asked by: Mairi Gougeon, MSP for Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 11 August 2016
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 14 September 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with the renewables industry regarding a coordinated regional approach to improve efficiency and maximise the benefits of offshore wind development on the east coast.
Answer
Since May's election, both my officials and I have undertaken an intense programme of engagement to meet with all the Scottish offshore developers and many of the companies within the related Scottish supply chain. Through my co-chairmanship of the Offshore Wind Industry Group, and as part of my keynote address and bilateral meetings with industry stakeholders and developers at Global Offshore Wind in Manchester, I have emphasised the importance of utilising our indigenous supply chain. Whilst visiting Bifab, Global Energy Group, Babcock International and CS Wind I have also offered support to ensure that these key Scottish supply-chain companies are as competitive as possible when bidding for contracts both in Scotland and further afield.