October planned for Scotland’s offshore wind launch

Scotland’s new leasing round for offshore wind projects is likely to fully launch in October 2019, Crown Estate Scotland, the public body responsible for leasing Scotland’s seabed, has announced. It will be at that point that applications for developments can start to be received.

There will also be a ‘pre-launch’ in the summer which will provide further details about the leasing and ensure that the people and organisations involved have the information they need ahead of the final launch.

This aligns with previous commitments to ensure that ScotWind leasing is launched in 2019.

In addition to a target launch date, Crown Estate Scotland has today (Monday 29 April) provided further information outlining the proposed process and timelines to help developers and communities gain a fuller understanding of the next steps.

The final timings of the leasing are directly linked to the development of Marine Scotland’s Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind.

John Robertson, Senior Development Manager for Crown Estate Scotland, said: “Scotland has the potential to be a major focus for offshore wind activity in the coming years. This can bring with it the development of a world class supply chain and an economic boost for communities across the country, in addition to providing an ideal route to help us further decarbonise our economy and meet our climate change targets.

“We want to provide clarity around our leasing proposals. We’ll continue to liaise closely with the industry and others in the coming months, and we’ll confirm the exact launch date in due course.”

The proposed timings released today are as follows:

· Pre-launch to provide further information – July 2019

· Crown Estate Scotland Leasing Launched – October 2019

· Deadline for applications to Crown Estate Scotland – between February and April 2020

· Offer of option agreements to successful applicants following publication of the Final Sectoral Plan adopted by Scottish Ministers – between May and July 2020

Today’s full update can be found here, and Crown Estate Scotland will give a further update on intended timings in July 2019.

-ENDS –

Notes to Editors:

Image credit: Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm Limited

About Crown Estate Scotland

Crown Estate Scotland manages land and property on behalf of Scottish Ministers. It works with people, businesses and organisations to ensure that the assets are managed in a sustainable way that creates prosperity for the Scotland and its communities. The organisation generates revenue profit which is passed to the Scottish Government.

Crown Estate Scotland manages:

37,000 hectares of rural land with agricultural tenancies, residential and commercial properties and forestry on four rural estates (Glenlivet, Fochabers, Applegirth and Whitehill)
Rights to fish wild salmon and sea trout in in river and coastal areas
Rights to naturally-occurring gold and silver across most of Scotland
Just under half the foreshore around Scotland including 5,800 moorings and some ports and harbours
Leasing of virtually all seabed out to 12 nautical miles covering some 750 fish farming sites and agreements with cables & pipeline operators
The rights to offshore renewable energy and gas and carbon dioxide storage out to 200 nautical miles

Crown Estate Scotland is a public corporation which manages the assets on an interim basis until new legislation sets out permanent arrangements.