ScottishPower to invest up to £6bn in developing UK offshore wind supply chain

ScottishPower, one of the leading energy suppliers of gas & electricity in the UK, has announced that it will invest £6bn into the countries offshore wind supply chain.

The company announced this week that as part of a £6bn investment, it will “actively pursue” future offshore wind projects in England and make a significant contribution the offshore wind supply chain.

It comes as part of a wider Offshore Wind Sector Deal, launched across the UK this week, which will see up to £250mn investment in “building a stronger UK supply chain.” The deal will drive the transformation of offshore wind generation, making it an integral part of a low-cost, low-carbon, flexible grid system and boost the productivity and competitiveness of the UK supply chain. This focus on building the capability of the UK’s supply chain will allow companies to play a greater role in its global leadership in offshore wind generation while enhancing their competitiveness internationally.

SEE ALSO

• Read the March issue of Supply Chain Digital
• The winners of the Ecovadis 2019 Sustainable Procurement Leadership Awards
• Supplier Responsibility Progress Report 2019: Sustainable success for Apple
• General Mills to advance regenerative agriculture practices to grow sustainable supply chain

ScottishPower is currently constructing a £2.5bn offshore windfarm in the east of England, is working on gaining approval for a second to begin construction in 2024 and a third in 2025.

“We have a fantastic supply chain already in place in the UK, from businesses in and around East Anglia to across England, across Scotland as well as Northern Ireland,” said Keith Anderson, ScottishPower Chief Executive. “The Sector Deal will attract even more businesses in the UK to join the offshore wind supply chain and we are excited to see the transformative impact this will have on our projects.”

“Our East Anglia ONE windfarm is the first and biggest project to be delivered under the Government’s supply chain plan and has the highest UK Content of all, above the current industry average of 50%, ensuring the benefits are felt across the country. We’re pleased the importance of UK businesses is recognised within the Sector Deal investing £250million into the UK supply chain.”