£50m Investment in Dundee’s Renewable Future: Forth Ports and Inch Cape Wind Farm Project

Dundee is set to play a pivotal role in Scotland's transition to clean, renewable energy thanks to a landmark £50 million investment from Forth Ports. This major financial injection is part of Forth Ports’ broader strategy to deliver on the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm project, with work to be carried out at the Port of Dundee and the newly created renewable energy hub at the Port of Leith.

This move positions Dundee as a key player in the UK’s drive towards net-zero carbon emissions while also promising to bring jobs, skills development, and economic growth to the city. Council Leader Mark Flynn has welcomed the news, calling it a “pivotal moment for Dundee, the region, and Scotland as a whole.”

The £50 million investment will enhance the infrastructure at both the Port of Leith and the Port of Dundee, creating two major hubs for the assembly, installation, and ongoing operation of offshore wind turbines.

While much of the focus has been on the development at the Port of Leith, Dundee is set to benefit significantly from its role in supporting the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. The offshore wind farm will be located off the Angus coast, but it’s Dundee’s strategic location and port facilities that make it an essential part of the project.

This move places Dundee at the centre of Scotland’s green energy economy, with the city expected to benefit from:

• Job creation: New roles in construction, installation, and long-term maintenance of offshore wind turbines.

• Skills development: Opportunities for local workers to train and upskill in renewable energy technologies.

• Economic growth: Direct economic benefits to Dundee businesses and wider support for the local economy.

The investment comes at a time when Dundee is increasingly being recognised as a key location for green energy. The city's role in offshore wind development cements its position as a central player in Scotland’s renewable energy transition.

One of the most significant outcomes of the investment will be the creation of new green jobs in Dundee. Councillor Mark Flynn highlighted that the project would provide “lasting benefits for Dundee’s workforce” and strengthen the city’s role in the growing renewable energy sector.

With the UK committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, demand for skills in clean energy technologies is on the rise. The Forth Ports investment will support Dundee’s ability to train its workforce in emerging green technologies, ensuring local people can access new, well-paid jobs in the energy sector.

It’s also a lifeline for the city’s economy, which has faced challenges in recent years. Investing in future-proof sectors like offshore wind means that the city is less dependent on older, declining industries. It’s a forward-thinking approach that ensures Dundee is ready for the green economy of the future.

Forth Ports is no stranger to driving large-scale investment in infrastructure. Their partnership with the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm follows a broader strategy to create "green freeports”, economic zones where businesses benefit from tax breaks and simplified customs procedures.

The Port of Leith, alongside the Port of Dundee, forms part of this vision for a Forth Green Freeport. The freeport model encourages investment, innovation, and growth, with a focus on industries that support the shift to a low-carbon economy.

This public-private partnership between Forth Ports, local councils, and the UK Government has already drawn praise from industry experts. By tapping into this network, Dundee is set to benefit from international supply chains, strengthening its position as a global leader in offshore wind energy.

Forth Ports’ Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, described the move as a demonstration of what could be achieved when public and private investment align. The collective goal is to deliver infrastructure that not only attracts global opportunities but also has a local impact in the form of jobs, skills, and economic development.

The Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm is a major renewable energy project being developed off the coast of Angus, Scotland. The project, once completed, will generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes and play a vital role in supporting Scotland’s renewable energy targets.

The wind farm will require the assembly, transportation, and maintenance of large offshore wind turbines. This is where the Port of Dundee comes in. With its existing infrastructure, access to skilled labour, and strategic location, Dundee is the ideal site for staging and operations related to Inch Cape.

This type of collaborative, multi-site approach is typical of large-scale offshore wind projects, where turbine parts are often manufactured in one location, assembled in another, and transported to the offshore site for installation. By becoming a key link in this chain, Dundee can establish itself as a hub for future offshore wind projects.

The green energy transition is happening now, and cities like Dundee have a rare chance to seize the moment. The success of the Inch Cape project and Dundee’s role in it will set the tone for the city’s future in the renewable energy sector.

Local officials have long emphasised the importance of diversifying the city’s economy, moving away from industries that are declining or vulnerable to global market changes. By becoming a hub for offshore wind, Dundee will be part of a growing industry that promises resilience, growth, and sustainability.

Councillor Mark Flynn spoke to this ambition, saying:

“The inclusion of the Port of Dundee in the delivery of the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm highlights the strategic importance of our city in the transition to net zero.”

It’s also worth noting that offshore wind energy is one of Scotland’s key growth sectors. As the country aims to meet its ambitious 2045 net-zero target, demand for offshore wind capacity will only grow. By positioning itself at the heart of this industry, Dundee will be at the centre of this transformation, ensuring local residents benefit from the “green jobs of the future.”

The announcement of a £50 million investment in Dundee’s renewable energy infrastructure is a turning point for the city. It positions Dundee as a key player in Scotland’s offshore wind sector, with the Port of Dundee set to play a vital role in delivering the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm.

This move has the potential to create hundreds of green jobs, support skills development, and drive long-term economic growth for Dundee. With backing from Forth Ports, support from Forth Green Freeport initiatives, and a clear role in the green energy transition, Dundee’s future looks increasingly bright and sustainable.

While the work ahead is substantial, the city is well-positioned to seize this opportunity and establish itself as a key player in the global renewable energy market. For the people of Dundee, the hope is that this investment will bring lasting benefits, both economically and environmentally.

With the support of public and private partners, Dundee is on track to become a major hub for Scotland’s net-zero journey, a journey that will power homes, support jobs, and help Scotland lead the way in the fight against climate change.