The UK Government has launched its Clean Industry Bonus scheme offering offshore wind developers financial support if they invest in areas like Aberdeen.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) it is making up to £200million of investment available for bidders willing locate the work in traditional oil and gas communities. The first grants will be awarded this summer.
Currently under 10% of UK wind turbines and equipment is produced domestically. The government has a target to increase this to 60% by 2030, which would in theory create 35,000 jobs
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The Clean Industry Bonus scheme is a baby step in the right direction but the funding on offer so far is nowhere near enough to transform offshore wind manufacturing in the UK.
“If the government is going to get anywhere close to its targets on domestic wind manufacture and green jobs it will need to come up with much more ambitious levels of investment and make sure that it delivers.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: "We are backing our proud manufacturing, coastal and oil and gas communities with good jobs, skills and private sector investment – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.
"This is our clean energy superpower mission in action, kickstarting growth, delivering energy security and transforming towns and cities as part of the transition - from the ports of Nigg and Leith to the manufacturing hubs of Blyth and Hull."