Scottish offshore wind backing soars high

Fit For Offshore Renewables (F4OR) Scotland has launched the funding programme which aims to strengthen capability across the Scottish offshore wind and offshore renewables market and improve competitiveness, operational readiness and access to new contracts.

Andrew Macdonald, director of business development at ORE Catapult, said: “Scottish companies are respected internationally for their consistent engineering excellence and product innovation and the F4OR programme provides an ideal route for companies with the right combination of key skills, expertise and leadership to succeed in the renewable energy sector.”

Backing business

Up to ten companies will join the 18-month initiative, which is delivered by the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and backed by Crown Estate Scotland and ETZ Ltd.

Established in 2019, F4OR is regarded as one of the UK’s most successful supply chain mentoring schemes.

More than 171 businesses have completed the programme, recording an average 26% increase in turnover after securing new offshore renewables work, with many progressing to become established suppliers in the offshore wind sector.

Crown Estate Scotland said its partnership reflects its role managing Scotland’s seabed and accelerating clean power deployment, skilled job creation and long-term energy security.

The Scotland-wide format aims to equip firms with the insight and standards required to compete in a rapidly expanding market.

The programme targets companies seeking to enter Scottish offshore wind, scale existing operations or transition from oil and gas, with assessments covering project management, financial stability, environmental practices and health and safety.

ETZ Ltd added that the business funding collaboration will enhance regional competitiveness and reinforce Scotland’s position as a catalyst for offshore renewables innovation.

Expressions of Interest in the funding must be submitted by Friday 6 March.