Wick ‘in good position to win turbine work’
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WICK Harbour is in an excellent position to service future offshore wind developments and is set to play an important part in harnessing its economic potential, according to Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The development agency insists the port has not been sidelined from plans to harness wind energy from the Moray Firth despite it not being among HIE’s list of four bases which it included in a recent memorandum of understanding about the development of the offshore wind sector.
This has established working agreements with the operators of Nigg, Ardersier, Kishorn and Invergordon to cover consents, market opportunities, inward investment and development work.
Invergordon, with its history of maintenance and operations services in the energy industry, appeared to be HIE’s preferred location for similar work in the offshore wind industry, ahead of Wick and Buckie, which is also competing for contracts in this sector. HIE’s Caithness and Sutherland area manager Roy Kirk said Invergordon has not been chosen ahead of Wick.
He maintained that due to the geographical convenience and facilities which exist in the far north, the port will have a vital role to play.
"At no point has HIE ever stated that any site is a preferred location for operations and maintenance development for offshore wind," he said.
"HIE works with all ports in the Highlands and Islands and it will be up to the market to decide which ports to work with and in which context.
"HIE has an excellent relationship with Wick Harbour Authority and we are working closely with them to develop the opportunities that renewable energy developments may bring.
"This includes identifying and acting on opportunities in the operations and maintenance of offshore wind power and the deployment and recovery of marine energy projects."
Wick Harbour Authority said last year that up to 100 jobs could be created in Caithness if planning applications were approved for Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited and Moray Offshore Renewables.
Mr Kirk said that should both projects be granted approval, Wick would be in a prime position to service these developments.
"Wick’s geographic position as the closest port to both the Beatrice Offshore Wind site and the Moray Offshore Wind site puts it in a good position to benefit from contracts that will eventually come forward," he said. "HIE works with a wide range of partners including Scottish Development International and the Scottish Government to assist in the development of our ports and harbours.
"HIE is fully committed to continue supporting these ports, including Wick Harbour Authority, to ensure that they are ready to secure consents, market opportunities, attract inward investment and enable further development."
SSE Beatrice plan to build up to 277 wind turbines that would be 13 kilometres off the east Caithness coastline and generate enough energy to power over 796,000 homes. Moray Offshore Renewables propose to commission up to 339 turbines 22km from the Caithness coast.
Caithness Sutherland and Ross MSP Rob Gibson last week called upon HIE to clarify what role Wick Harbour had to play in serving the clusters of offshore wind turbine earmarked for the Moray Firth.
The two developers would have the final say where their operations would be based if they are granted planning permission which is due to be decided later this year.
