Opportunity Cromarty Firth

Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF) is a collaborative partnership of private, public sector and academic bodies committed to ensuring the Cromarty Firth becomes a strategic renewable energy hub.

Achieving this ambition would ensure that opportunities are maximised from a sustainable pipeline of multi-billion pound offshore wind developments taking place in the North Sea. This would stimulate economic activity, attract inward investment, and generate significant supply chain and job opportunities, while supporting Scotland’s target to become net-zero by 2045.

One of OCF’s first moves was launching The PowerHouse, a centre of excellence in applied R&D within the fields of floating offshore wind and green hydrogen. The centre will also act as a specialist educational hub to provide training for school children, students and workers interested in renewable energy.

This educational provision will boost awareness among the next generation on the capabilities of green technology, and allow existing workers from other industries, including oil and gas and nuclear, to transition into renewables.

Another key OCF focus is green hydrogen. This led to the establishment of the North of Scotland Hydrogen Programme, a collaboration aiming to create a green hydrogen hub as a viable, carbon-free fuel for regional industries, as well as storing and transporting it to other locations within Scotland, the UK and abroad – a new market for Scotland.

Bob Buskie, Port of Cromarty Firth Chief Executive – speaking on behalf of OCF – said: “OCF is committed to building a prosperous future for the Highlands, based around renewable energy. Through offshore wind, floating offshore wind and green hydrogen, we will create skilled jobs and high-wage opportunities on a level not seen since the oil boom of the 1970s.

“Pooling our resources like this helps build the infrastructure, technologies and skills needed to realise our dream of reaching net-zero by 2045.”

More information

Email:  s.macdonaldbutler@pocf.co.uk