Major development for offshore wind sector

6th May 2013

A major new development to test cutting edge wind technology in an offshore environment before commercial deployment was given the green light today by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.

Mr Ewing granted consent for an offshore demonstration wind turbine with an installed capacity of up to 7 MW at the Fife Energy Park in Methil.

The development for Samsung Heavy Industries will test new designs and models for offshore wind turbines to increase the reliability and efficiency of the power they produce.

During a visit to Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, Finance Secretary John Swinney welcomed the consent for the new development and the Scottish Enterprise funding to develop the project.

Mr Swinney said:“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in establishing a globally competitive supply chain for the offshore wind industry.

“This development, which is being undertaken by Samsung Heavy Industries with more than £6 million support from Scottish Enterprise, will utilise newly developed technologies which have not yet been deployed offshore – further confirming Scotland’s commitment to innovation in the offshore wind production sector.

“Fife can play a key role in developing knowledge and research in the energy sector. The site at Fife Energy Park offers the ideal location for a cutting edge test centre like this.

“Increasingly, Scotland is recognised as a centre of expertise for the next generation of offshore wind energy technologies, and this development will help to put us firmly on the map. Not only will this provide a much needed boost to our economy, it will also provide job opportunities for people in our local communities.

“I met Samsung Heavy Industries on my visit last year and am particularly pleased that this visit coincides with this significant milestone in the development of a project which further enhances Scotland’s standing as a world leader in marine and offshore renewables.

“It is only through working with other countries in this way that we can continue to
improve our own framework, to ensure that we remain at the forefront of the renewable technology revolution.”