Scotland Sets October Offshore Wind Seabed Leasing Goal

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.

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.

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.