MSPS call for delay to all new offshore wind developments

Two MSPS have called for a moratorium on new offshore wind contracts until the benefits to Scotland have been assured.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley and the SNP'S Richard Lyle called for "something to be done" to ensure benefits from multibillion contracts to build offshore wind farms are seen in Scotland.

It comes after Burntisland Fabrications (Bifab) entered administration following the collapse of a £2 billion contract to build turbine jackets.

Officials addressing the Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee told the pair that state aid rules prevent the Scottish Government from forcing companies to guarantee work or contracts for Scottish firms in the supply chain.

The current system requires bidders for offshore wind farm projects to detail the economic benefits that would come to Scotland, although no legally enforceable minimum is in place.

Mr Rowley said this system is "completely unacceptable", adding that jobs coming to Scotland as a result of the contracts would be "in the hands of those developers and our ability to beg them for the crumbs".

He asked: "Should we not be bringing forward a moratorium on all these developments until we can actually sort that out?"

Crown Estate Scotland is in control of the leasing of seabed in Scottish waters for offshore wind farm.

Simon Hodge, its chief executive, said: "We have worked hard to create a context and an opportunity for developers to make a commitment to the Scottish supply chain, to demonstrate how they can work in collaboration, including through the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council, to achieve those ambitions of the offshore wind sector deal to play their part in helping to develop a successful supply chain in Scotland."

In relation to Mr Rowley's call for a moratorium, Mr Hodge said: "The bidding process is live at the moment and developers are actively working up their bids. The bid process is not yet concluded and until that process is concluded then theoretically the process could be halted but there may well be legal challenge and that level of challenge would increase as we move through the stages of the leasing process."

Mr Ho d g e c o n f i r me d t h e amount of work given to the supply chain cannot be a "material consideration" when bids are being assessed.