Scottish Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan, has announced the appointment of Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, as the new industry co-chair of the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC). Mack will serve a two-year term, providing strategic leadership to SOWEC as it works to drive growth within Scotland’s offshore wind sector.
Mack has led Scottish Renewables since 2017, focusing on expanding Scotland’s renewable energy industry and reinforcing its global position in clean power. In addition to her new role with SOWEC, Mack is a member of the First Minister’s Scottish Energy Advisory Board and participates in the UK Government Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce and the Electricity Networks Delivery Forum.
Alasdair Allan commented: “Offshore wind is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s economic development agenda, and the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) is vital to driving forward action in support of the sector. I am pleased to welcome Claire Mack’s appointment as SOWEC Industry co-chair and look forward to working with her to help ensure the sector continues to create high-quality jobs, reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions, and benefit our communities.”
He also expressed gratitude to Brian McFarlane, the outgoing co-chair, for his dedication and leadership in the sector.
Mack acknowledged the importance of offshore wind to Scotland’s environmental and economic future, stating: “Offshore wind is one of Scotland’s key assets and our ability to turn our 40GW pipeline into successfully delivered projects is pivotal to our environmental and economic aspirations.” She added, “Looking forward to the coming year, there are key actions we need to take to enable the next steps of Scotland’s success in delivering offshore projects. I’m confident that industry, with the backing and support of both the Scottish and UK governments, has the expertise, ability, and tools available to do so.”
Brian McFarlane, Head of Offshore Development at SSE Renewables, offered his thanks to those who contributed to SOWEC’s work during his tenure and wished Mack success in her new role.
