A Scottish delegation is in Germany this week to gather intelligence on developing the right infrastructure for offshore renewables.

The two day study visit to Bremerhaven, by the renewables industry, ports interests and government representatives, will improve collaboration between industry and government.

As part of the Scottish government's Renewables Action Plan, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are drafting a National Renewables Infrastructure Plan, a clear spatial framework for the development of infrastructure to support offshore wave, wind and tidal industries.

This will include an analysis of the investment in ports and harbour infrastructure needed to support Scotland's ambitions to be the green energy capital of Europe.

Bremerhaven has implemented an infrastructure-led approach to developing an offshore wind manufacturing supply chain over the last five years.

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Energy Minister Jim Mather, who is leading the delegation, said: "Scotland can learn useful lessons from Bremerhaven on building a low carbon economy. The city recognised that industrial sites of sufficient scale near the necessary port infrastructure were a key advantage in securing a sustainable future for the local economy. The subsequent investment of both state and local government has since attracted a growing number of key manufacturers.

"I want to understand more about the success of their investment strategy and gauge the potential for a similar approach in Scotland. As most port infrastructure here is owned by the private sector, it is essential that the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan is developed in dialogue with port owners.

"Creating the right understanding for private sector investment in port infrastructure will be key and I hope that in seeing success, confidence can be built with our potential private sector partners around co-investment in Scottish ports."

Paul Lewis, Managing Director Industry and Policy, Scottish Enterprise, added: "The growing renewables sector presents tremendous opportunities to re-engineer Scotland and create a significant number of jobs in the low-carbon economy of the future. "Scotland has the potential to be a world-leader in the development of low-carbon energy and our port infrastructure, company base and skilled workforce are key to Scotland's success. Building on the strong partnership between the private sector and government will be key to that success."

(GK/KMcA)