ScotWind offshore wind leasing round opens for applications

Crown Estate Scotland has opened the application window for the ScotWind seabed leasing round for offshore wind projects.

From today, 15 January, registered developers are able to apply for seabed rights to build Scotland’s next generation of offshore wind farms.

The closing date for submitting applications is 31 March.

Opening the application window follows Marine Scotland’s publication of its Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy outlining the areas suitable for development.

Crown Estate Scotland has now made available to applicants final technical details of the application requirements, including provisions reflecting the Sectoral Marine Plan, which will enable them to make informed applications.

“Today is an important milestone in the development of ScotWind Leasing, and we are looking forward to receiving applications and continuing to work with all interested groups over the coming months,” said John Robertson, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Crown Estate Scotland.

“Over the last three years, we’ve engaged extensively with industry and other interested groups about the goals and ambitions of ScotWind Leasing. This has helped ensure a robust and clear process that can successfully deliver the projects of the future and play a big role in Scotland’s net zero ambitions.”

Crown Estate Scotland launched the ScotWind leasing round in June 2020, inviting investors and developers to register interest in obtaining an option agreement which can lead to the signing of leases.