The National Renewables Infrastructure Fund (N-RIF) has been established to support the development of port and near-port manufacturing locations for offshore wind turbines and related developments including test and demonstration activity, with the overall aim of stimulating an offshore wind supply chain in Scotland.
This fund is in addition to Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and other funding that will be available for companies creating new jobs in this industry in Scotland. Scottish Enterprise (SE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will lead the allocation of funding and will follow the clear approach set out in National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP).
Applying for funding
Expressions of interest must be led by a site owner, and site owner only submissions will be considered. However, consortia submissions that are made by site owners and offshore wind site lease holders and/or manufacturers of offshore renewables components, and submissions that demonstrate strong and identifiable market interest will be considered higher priority.
Expressions of interest will be considered where new market interest is identified.
SE and HIE will invest in projects where a strong business case is made, and make funding available on the basis of funding need and likely impact of the investment on the development of a Scottish based manufacturing supply chain for the offshore wind sector.
On receipt of submissions SE and HIE will engage in detailed discussions with site owners to ensure that there is sustained and early interest in industry use of the site and that funding can be delivered in accordance with state aid regulations.
Approval of funding from the N-RIP Delivery Fund will be on a rolling basis following consideration of investments by the respective SE and HIE Boards.