While the effects of Brexit are still difficult to predict, there are many causes for optimism among Scotland‘s ports, not least in the energy sector where offshore wind is fast coming on stream. By Anthony Harrington
“At a time when governments are keen to meet higher environmental standards there could be some transitional developments and initiatives that the Scottish ports sector will have to try to respond to. We have already had big changes in terms of our energy structure and use and ports coped with the transition away from multiple coal imports to support all the UK’s coal-fired power stations.”
One of most exciting thing for the ports in the coming years, Ballantyne points out, will be the big focus on renewables and marine energy generation. Wave and tidal schemes have their place but perhaps the more immediate opportunities lie with offshore wind.
One of most exciting thing for the ports in the coming years, Ballantyne points out, will be the big focus on renewables and marine energy generation. Wave and tidal schemes have their place but perhaps the more immediate opportunities lie with offshore wind.
“Last year the UK Government announced that it wanted to increase offshore wind energy provision substantially from presently around 9% to 30% of the UK’s energy. That is going to require a huge amount of development in UK waters and much will be facilitated by the UK port sector in general and Scottish ports in particular,” he says.
As well as the revenue opportunities associated with the assembly and construction of offshore devices, there will be longer term maintenance and services opportunities that could well be anchored in Scottish ports, Ballantyne suggests. We already see a major example of this in the current issue with long term contracts won by particular Scottish ports to support their local wind farm.
See the rest of the article: https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/18207144.fair-wind-begins-blow-scottish-ports/
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