The announcement comes after discussions with the Scottish Government on how to take forward further development of the offshore wind energy industry in Scotland, and requests from windfarm developers to present offshore windfarm proposals to The Crown Estate, in order to get consent.

Rob Hastings, director of Marine Estates at The Crown Estate, said: "This announcement to launch Scottish offshore wind clearly demonstrates The Crown Estate’s commitment to facilitating the next phase of offshore wind energy development in Scotland.

"We have listened to the requests from developers in the industry and are delighted to be working closely with the Scottish government in taking this forward."

Speaking at the conference, Jim Mather, minister for energy, commented: "Offshore wind can play a vital role in Scotland’s renewable future.

"We want to see more offshore turbines in appropriate locations around the Scottish coast, meaning that licenses for individual sites is a key issue.

"This is an area where we have been working closely with The Crown Estate, so I am delighted about this very positive announcement on offshore leasing."

Jason Ormiston, chief executive of Scottish Renewables added: "Offshore wind in Scottish waters - whether it is in deep or shallow water - offers exceptional potential to help deliver action on climate change and help secure affordable supplies of electricity, and the industry is keen to see government and The Crown Estate help deliver it as quickly as possible.

"We are pleased The Crown Estate is now providing some certainty for developers who are keen to invest hundreds of millions of pounds if they can get the rights to develop."

www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.

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