The UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has moved two ports, Associated British Ports' (ABP) Port Talbot in Wales and the Port of Cromarty Firth in Scotland, to the Primary List phase of the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS). This scheme, launched last year, aims to support the development of port infrastructure for floating offshore wind projects. The funding bids from these ports will undergo further review by DESNZ before final decisions are made later this year.
RenewableUK's chief executive and co-chair of the Floating Offshore Wind Taskforce, Dan McGrail, highlighted the importance of building a strong supply chain for the floating offshore wind sector in the UK, stating: “We already have one of the biggest pipelines of floating wind projects in the world – now we need to ensure we take advantage of this global leadership position by building a flourishing supply chain for the sector in the UK.”
ABP's Future Port Talbot project aims to transform the port into a manufacturing, assembly, and integration hub for floating offshore wind components destined for projects in the Celtic Sea. Henrik L. Pedersen, ABP's head, noted that the FLOWMIS award, combined with significant ABP investment exceeding GBP 500 million, is expected to unlock around GBP 1 billion of investment in Port Talbot and its surrounding area.
Meanwhile, the Port of Cromarty Firth has earmarked more than GBP 50 million for its Phase 5 expansion, focusing on expanding facilities for the north of Scotland's renewables sector. Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, highlighted the support from developers for the port's bid to become one of Scotland's two Green Freeports. He also noted that the Phase 5 expansion was selected as one of three Scottish projects to progress in the SOWEC Strategic Investment Model (SIM).
The Port of Cromarty Firth sees the FLOWMIS support, SIM, and the winning Green Freeport bid as solidifying its status as a leading renewable energy hub in the region.
