Elected members keeping options open on harbours infrastructure

A number of options continue to be explored to ensure that Orkney's economy can receive the best possible benefits from offshore wind activity in the area.

Councillors at this week's (20 June 2023) Policy and Resources committee heard an update report on  the proposed projects being considered to support economic growth through the development of Orkney Islands harbour infrastructure.

A previous report to committee in April heard that the current plans are to have two of the proposed project options - a deep water quay at Scapa and a logistics base at Hatston, taken through the planning process by the end of the year - meaning that these proposed projects would be in a position to progress quickly if planning permission is granted, a decision is made to go ahead and a suitable funding package is established.

That same reported stated that, whilst improving and adding to the harbour infrastructure in Orkney waters should support substantial economic growth in the county, the business case for the project had to fully stack up before any final decisions are made by the authority or project funders.

Today's report laid out the progress since April including the appointment of legal advisors, the ongoing marketing of Orkney waters as a potential location for developments, progress on an economic benefit study and the availability of funding streams for projects.

During the meeting it was heard that the deadline for one of the funding streams, FLOWMIS - Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme - had been extended to the end of August, giving additional time for an application to be made.

Council Leader James Stockan said: "There is no doubt that it would be a great shame if Orkney were not to benefit from the offshore wind industry – and we certainly have plenty to offer the industry within our waters and from within existing and proposed harbours infrastructure.

“However, as has been previously stated there are a number of key things that need to be considered before any decisions are made - we need to go through the planning permission process for the proposals at Deepdale and Hatston, there needs to be a suitable funding stream and economic business case in place, and there needs to be clear benefit for Orkney’s communities as well as for the Council.

"Elected members are keen to keep our options open whilst these elements are better understood  - and that will require officers to progress the proposed projects to a certain point. This week's report – and the subsequent debate in the chamber -  shows that that’s very much the journey we are on."