UK Government Grants £55 Million to Scotland’s Port of Cromarty Firth for Floating Offshore Wind Expansion

The UK Government has awarded a £55 million ($71 million) grant to the Port of Cromarty Firth in Scotland to drive the next phase of expansion, which will support planned float offshore wind farms. This grant is the first of two announced under a program launched by the government in 2023 to support the development of port infrastructure needed for the floating wind sector.

Located on the northeastern shore of Scotland near Inverness, the Port of Cromarty Firth has a long history of supporting offshore industries, first in oil and gas and more recently in offshore wind. The port’s deep, sheltered waters make it perfectly suited to accommodate large ships. The expansion plan involves bringing wind farm components to the port, where they will expand the lay area and provide space for construction, installation, and operational support.

The components for the floating wind farms will be manufactured across the UK. The new facility at the port will include the Quay West and the Phase 5 laydown area, where the floating turbines can be assembled, pre-commissioned, and then towed to the wind farm site.

Custom-Built Integration Hub for Floating Offshore Wind Construction

The Port of Cromarty Firth aims to become the UK’s first custom-built integration hub for floating offshore wind construction. The port officials emphasize that this expansion is crucial for meeting the sector’s development plans. The UK currently boasts the largest installed base of offshore wind in Europe, and the government is committed to investing in floating wind farms as the next phase of the industry.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero recently launched the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS) to address the port infrastructure needs of the floating wind sector. The grant awarded to the Invergordon-based Trust, which operates the port, is part of this initiative to fund the proposed expansion project. This grant will pave the way for the port to secure matching funds from banks and investors.

Timeline for Expansion and Future Plans

The Port of Cromarty Firth plans to use the grant to initiate the process of awarding pre-construction contracts for the expansion project. The work is expected to be completed by 2027 to be ready for the first commercial-scale floating wind projects. Port Talbot has been selected as the second port under the FLOWMIS program, with plans for its expansion currently under development. Port Talbot is located on Swansea Bay in Wales.

The UK’s investment in floating offshore wind demonstrates a strong commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. The expansion of port infrastructure at the Port of Cromarty Firth and other selected ports will play a crucial role in advancing the floating wind sector and achieving the country’s long-term energy goals.