We have joined forces with Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), Forth Ports and Dundee City Council under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to secure Dundee’s position as a vibrant hub for Scotland’s rapidly-developing offshore renewables sector.

Representatives of the four organisations discussed their plans with First Minister Alex Salmond today at St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, where they signed the MoU.

SSE is one of the UK’s leading developers of offshore renewable energy, with major offshore wind projects situated off the east coast. SSE has therefore identified Dundee as a key strategic location for the development of its offshore wind supply chain. The company has taken an active approach to developing its offshore wind supply chain, forming strategic alliances and investing directly in companies of strategic importance.

Recognised as a key asset in Scotland’s National Renewables Infrastructure Plan, the Port of Dundee and the wider City of Dundee have a fundamental role to play in the future development of a comprehensive supply chain to support Scotland’s emerging offshore wind industry. Initial work, which will be funded by the National Renewables Infrastructure Fund, will capitalise on the Port’s strategic location and competitive advantage by maximising the use of existing space and providing a solid foundation for future investment and expansion.

We estimate tha,t as the offshore wind sector develops in the coming years, the port of Dundee has the potential to support in the region of 700 jobs in offshore wind manufacturing, with further major opportunities for off-port supply chain development in the Dundee area.