Electricity network constraints and delays in securing grid connections could undermine investment in Scotland’s ports, potentially holding back offshore wind manufacturing and efforts to reduce emissions from shipping, according to a new report commissioned by Scottish Renewables.
Published on 12 October, Port Power: Electricity Demand in Scotland, prepared by grid connections consultancy Roadnight Taylor, examines the electricity infrastructure needed as ports expand their roles in offshore wind manufacturing, industrial electrification and maritime decarbonisation.
Based on interviews with representatives of 12 Scottish ports and harbours, the report identifies widely differing electricity requirements, ranging from modest increases in capacity for existing operations to substantial new demand associated with industrial developments.
The largest requirements are generally linked to industrial tenants, including companies involved in offshore wind manufacturing and assembly. However, ports seeking to attract such investment face difficulties securing the necessary electricity capacity before prospective tenants and financing arrangements have been confirmed.
The report warns of a mismatch between investment in port infrastructure and the timescales for securing grid connections and consents. Delays could prevent ports from capitalising on opportunities associated with Scotland’s expanding offshore wind sector.
Shore power is another area where electricity infrastructure could prove a barrier. Allowing vessels to connect to the electricity network while berthed can reduce emissions from onboard generators, improving local air quality and supporting maritime decarbonisation. However, constrained network capacity, high upfront costs, electricity prices and uncertainty over vessel demand are limiting investment.
Scottish Renewables is calling for ports’ future electricity requirements to be incorporated into the Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) and Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs), alongside improvements to grid connection processes, consenting timescales and the transparency of connection costs.
“Ports need secure electricity capacity to attract manufacturers and build on investment already made,” said Angela Hepworth, chief executive of Scottish Renewables. “National and regional energy plans must accelerate grid consents, coordinate network investment and provide greater certainty on connections.”
Kyle Murchie, specialist connections engineer at Roadnight Taylor, noted the diversity of requirements identified by the research.
“What struck us most was that no two of the 12 ports and harbours we spoke with shared the same needs,” he said. “Some were seeking modest increases for existing operations, while others were planning for projects that could require a step change in capacity.”
The report recommends closer coordination between government, regulators, network operators and ports, including measures to provide greater certainty over connection costs and the availability of electricity capacity.
It also calls for connection reforms to recognise the particular investment challenges facing ports, which may need to demonstrate that sufficient electricity capacity will be available before industrial tenants commit to new developments.
