Renewables giant eyes £12bn investment in Scotland with latest ScotWind offshore bids

In what comes as further wind in the sails of Scotland's superb offshore wind potential, renewables giant Ørsted has signalled its intentions to invest billions into the Scottish energy supply chain.  The Danish renewables company outlined the plans for the development and construction of offshore wind farms in Scotland over the next 10 years, with bids submitted to Crown Estate Scotland (CES) in relation to five projects. 

The proposed projects would represent an estimated 8.5GW of capacity in the CES ScotWind offshore wind leasing round.  Those successful applications in the latest ScotWind auction are expected to receive initial offers from CES in early 2022.    

Scotland benefits from an abundance of natural capital, both on and offshore.  Harnessing this capital will be of critical importance as Scotland commits to reaching net zero emissions by 2045, and offshore wind will almost certainly play a leading role in Scotland's ongoing energy transition.