First Minister open's UK's first Floating Wind Innovation Centre in Aberdeen

The UK's first dedicated innovation centre for floating offshore wind in Aberdeen has been officially opened by the First Minister.

Humza Yousaf toured the £9million facility which is in the heart of the city's Energy Transition Zone.

It will allow companies developing future technologies to test their products in a safe environment replicating the deeper water conditions.

He says Scotland is positioning itself as a "world-leading nation" and the centre is a major step to realising the country's net zero ambitions".

It has been delivered by Offshore Renewable Energy (Ore) Catapult in collaboration with ETZ Limited. Funding came from the Scottish Government and Innovate UK.

Mr Yousaf said: “Delivering our net zero ambitions will require economic and societal transformation, with sustained investment, both public and private, to achieve it.

“We know the scale of the change needed. The National Floating Wind Innovation Centre embodies the spirit of collaboration that will drive the offshore wind industry forward.”

He said it also “epitomises the relentless pursuit of science in helping to decarbonise our economy and represent a collective determination to solve the complex challenges posed by our net zero ambitions.

He added: “We share a common objective to establish Scotland as a first mover in floating wind technology on an industrial scale and by seizing this advantage we can position Scotland among the world’s leaders in this ground-breaking industry as we maximise our net zero targets.”

It is estimated the successful rollout will see floating offshore wind have the potential to deliver £43 billion in UK gross value add by 2050, creating more than 29,000 jobs.

Andrew Jamieson, chief executive of Ore Catapult, said: “This facility represents a ground-breaking step forward in the commercialisation of floating offshore wind – a sector that will be critical to meeting our net zero targets.

“When you look at the projected global market demand for floating wind technology over the coming year, the opportunity is eye-watering.”

He added: “Here in the UK we are well-placed to play a leading role in that market by developing the supply chain to support the innovations that will bring this potential to life.

“Others are chasing the same prize, though, so the time is right to make sure Scottish and UK companies are at the front of that race, and this facility is a key part of helping that happen.”