Funding to OSG (Offshore Solutions Group) regarding proposal for the Moray Flow Park: FOI response (reference 1068)

16 October 2025

11 November 2025

I’m a Moray resident writing after reading an article in The Northern Scot newspaper that Scottish Enterprise has granted money to a company, OSG…OFFSHORE SOLUTIONS GROUP… to move forward with their proposal for the Moray Flow Park. This use of public money for what is clearly a substantial, destructive and transformative project in a unique and globally important ocean ecosystem before there has been any public consultation must be questioned.

I would like to know what processes were followed to award this money, how much was awarded, and what kind of criteria was used to decide that this use of public money to threaten liveliehoods and natural systems without any public consultation. I request this, and any other relevant information is released before a public meeting in Forres on November 11.

Scottish Enterprise has been engaged with Offshore Solutions Group (OSG) since January 2024, as Phase one of a Joint Industry Project (JIP) they were leading (with the support of several offshore wind developers and Crown Estate Scotland) drew to a conclusion.

The JIP sought to address an urgent industry need for temporary storage of floating offshore wind foundations, for use during the construction of floating offshore wind projects, to be in place by 2028. As part of Phase one, OSG carried out a Scotland-wide assessment of potentially suitable locations.

Scottish Enterprise was approached by OSG about support to deliver Phase two of the project. This stage aimed to:

• Refine the choice of locations through detailed technical and environmental analysis
• Develop designs and begin the consenting process to reduce risks and create an investable temporary storage solution
• Focus on how the timing needs of the offshore wind market could be met

Recognising the importance of pace in this activity - and the critical risk to the Floating Offshore Wind sector in Scotland of temporary storage not being in place when required - Scottish Enterprise held discussions with OSG to consider what support, if any, could be offered.

Following analysis of the business plan for the project, a grant offer of up to £1.83 million was made to OSG. As is usual with SE grant awards, payments are linked to the achievement of key milestones, ensuring the appropriate use of public funds.

To date, funding of £838,014 has been paid to OSG towards the project.

A key part of moving the project forward is ongoing engagement with stakeholder bodies and statutory consultees. This is needed to confirm licensing and environmental requirements for temporary storage sites, identify risks and define the environmental assessments required to support the consenting process. This is underway.

The formal licensing process also includes a series of public consultations with the local community. These are planned and will occur as the technical specifications of the development are confirmed, so they can be carried out on a fully informed basis.

Scottish Enterprise does not have any role in the licensing or consenting process.

The project has not been granted consent or approved at this time.

We have attached a fact sheet, produced by Offshore Solutions Group, that you may also find useful. By scanning the QR code in that document you can share your views directly with OSG and register for regular updates on the status of the project.