Funding package for offshore wind port hub
Just days after it was announced that a new linkspan will be constructed at the deep water terminal near Arnish, Highlands and Islands Enterprise revealed a further funding package of £1.8 million to assist the facility in its positioning as a strategic hub for offshore wind developments.
Along with major announcements on accommodation provision for itinerary workers and preparatory groundworks getting underway on the Stornoway Wind Farm, it is yet another strong signal of activity in relation to the renewables sector being significantly stepped up.
The HIE funding package forms the majority of a financial package worth £2.3 million which will take the project through initial ground investigations and design stage for an offshore wind hub.
Two major developments are planned in the waters around the Hebrides: the controversial near-to-shore Spiorad na Mara project off the west side of Lewis and the Talisk site, 35 kilometres north of the Butt of Lewis.
The existing Deep Water Terminal, opened in 2024, accommodates large cruise liners, with the renewables hub to be located to the south of the large-vessel berthing point.
Contractor McLaughlin & Harvey have now started the investigation works.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “Offshore wind represents a huge economic opportunity for the whole of Scotland delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.
“Stornoway’s location, skills and existing port infrastructure make it vital to supporting the delivery of some of the enormous economic opportunities presented by our growing offshore wind industry.
“The proposed expansion of the Deep Water Terminal at Stornoway Port is the latest example of the growth within our offshore wind sector – which is reflected in our updated ambition for offshore wind capacity.
“Increasing our offshore wind capacity ambition to up to 40GW by 2040 reaffirms our commitment to growing the offshore wind sector – giving certainty to investors – and will help to support our national climate ambitions.”
Joanna Peteranna, HIE's director of operations at HIE, commented: “Stornoway is the only port in the north-west to accommodate large vessels, opening opportunities in cruise tourism, offshore renewables and freight.
“Offshore wind represents a huge opportunity for the Highlands and Islands, and for Scotland, and this proposed new berth will further strengthen infrastructure, unlocking even more opportunities for growth.”
Stornoway Port is providing the remaining £463,917 to fund the project.
Alex Macleod, chief executive of Stornoway Port, said: “This is a hugely significant step forward for Stornoway and the wider Outer Hebrides. Deep Water South is about unlocking the next phase of opportunity, supporting offshore wind, strengthening renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring Stornoway is ready to play a leading role in Scotland’s energy transition.
“The approval of HIE’s support will allow us to move towards detailed design and enabling works with real momentum. It reflects strong confidence in the Port’s long-term vision and in the role Stornoway can play in Scotland’s offshore wind industry.
“Our investment alongside HIE underlines our commitment to delivering infrastructure that brings lasting economic benefits to the islands.”