ScotWind Takes Pre-Launch Step

Crown Estate Scotland has released the details on ScotWind, the new leasing round for offshore wind projects, so developers can begin preparing project proposals.

The near-final documentation released in this pre-launch phase includes some of the proposed steps and processes which are currently close to completion, Crown Estate Scotland said.

Developers can access documents to help them prepare ahead of the final launch of the leasing, which is scheduled for October. These are available upon request until 30 August.

“Today marks an important step towards an offshore wind leasing process which will attract investment to Scotland to help reduce climate change emissions and enable wider socio-economic benefits for communities,” said John Robertson, Head of Energy & Infrastructure for Crown Estate Scotland.

“By providing this information now, we will enable developers to start their preparations so that they are in a position to submit suitable applications when the time comes.”

Once the leasing is launched, the final documentation will be made available. The final timings are linked to the development of Marine Scotland’s Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind.

The proposed deadline for applications will be between February and April 2020, while offers of option agreements to successful applicants following the publication of the Final Sectoral Plan adopted by Scottish Ministers will take place between May and July the same year.