A proposed 180-turbine wind farm 10 miles off the Angus coast will benefit the area’s economy immeasurably, according to one councillor.
David May, a Liberal Democrat member for Montrose, was speaking after it emerged that a deal reportedly worth £40 million could provide power for almost 700,000 homes.
Spanish oil company Repsol is to buy developer SeaEnergy Renewables and has lined up a Portuguese partner to help facilitate the project at Inch Cape.
The initiative has also received a £1 million donation from the Crown Estate.
Mr May said, “This is very, very good news for Angus. I am delighted because there is so much potential here.
“Not only is it good for the companies we already have in Angus, I also hope it will attract other companies from outside to come to Angus.
“There is a strong possibility that this will create jobs in the area not just in Montrose but in other burghs in the county as well.
“You only have to look at the impact the oil industry has had in Aberdeen high numbers of employment with one of the lowest unemployment figures in Scotland and realise that this is entirely the right time to get on board with the offshore wind farm market.
“There are possibilities for hundreds of jobs in terms of servicing and maintenance and both firms in Angus as well as other companies who might site here could take advantage of this.”‘Fantastic’Mr May said the nature of the project would help the Angus economy meet the demands of modern industry.
He said, “Renewable energy is a road I think we definitely have to go down and it is something my party is very much in favour of.
“The fact that the Inch Cape development could have the potential to power almost 700,000 homes is absolutely fantastic and the fact it is offshore is a massive advantage.”
First Minister Alex Salmond, who aims to have Scotland generate the equivalent of 100% of its electricity demand from renewables by 2020, described the development in the Inch Cape project as “a massive vote of confidence in Scotland’s offshore wind sector.”
The future of the programme looked to be in jeopardy last May when German energy giant RWE withdrew its involvement. However it has now been suggested that construction work could begin within the next few years ahead of possible completion in 2018.
Mr Salmond said, “Repsol’s purchase of SeaEnergy Renewables is also testament to the strength of Scottish companies that have helped position us as a global leader in offshore wind.
“SeaEnergy which is now focusing on its existing assets including marines renewables services business and oil and gas interests is an example of a company reaping the rewards of decisive and early leadership in a developing sector.”
Photo by Flickr user phault.