Cromarty Firth and Highlands will play a major role in delivering UK’s new Energy Security Strategy

Issued by Opportunity Cromarty Firth

The Cromarty Firth and Highlands are ready to play a key role in delivering the UK’s new Energy Security Strategy, the consortium bidding to win Green Freeport Status for the area has said.

Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF) welcomed the strategy, aimed at boosting the country’s energy independence and tackling rising prices, which was announced this week by the Prime Minister.

OCF highlighted the critical part the area will play in the development of large-scale offshore wind projects and other low-carbon technologies, including green hydrogen, as well as its proven 50-year track record as a location with the capacity and capabilities to support the energy industry.

The OCF consortium was launched two years ago with the aim of creating a free trade zone centred on the firth, to help secure a sustainable long-term pipeline of energy projects and jobs in the Highlands.

It is backed by the Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF), Port of Nigg owner, Global Energy Group, and more than a dozen regional businesses, as well as public sector organisations, and academic bodies, including The Highland Council and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Speaking on behalf of the consortium, PoCF chief executive, Bob Buskie, said: “We welcome this very important and timely new strategy and its over-arching goal of enabling the UK to produce 95% of its energy from low-carbon sources by 2030.

“The Cromarty Firth and surrounding area in the Highlands are ready to play a major part in the efforts to achieve the vital aims of the strategy. We have a proven track record and facilities ready to rapidly accelerate deployment in offshore renewable energy to help secure future energy security.