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Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm has today published an independent report highlighting the significant investment, value and jobs the project will bring to Scotland and the wider UK.

Over its lifetime, the project – a 50/50 joint venture between ESB and Red Rock Renewables – will invest £4.7 billion in the UK economy with £2.7 billion of that to be spent in Scotland. Specifically, £1.0 billion will be in eastern Scotland, including East Lothian and Angus, meaning a significant share of expenditure will benefit local and regional economies.

The report, prepared by Edinburgh-based economic consultancy BiGGAR Economics, outlines the substantial contributions Inch Cape has already made as well as the projected value over the project’s full lifetime.

Inch Cape Project Director John Hill said: “The report demonstrates that the project will make a significant contribution towards the UK’s transition to a resilient and secure low-carbon energy system. It will not only deliver clean electricity but is also helping to develop industrial capability, support skilled employment and strengthen the regional and national Scottish and wider UK economies”.

At its construction peak Inch Cape will support 2,600 full-time equivalent UK jobs and for its operational phase 50 direct long-term skilled roles will be created at the Port of Montrose. More than 320 UK companies, including 150 from Scotland, have already provided goods and services to the project. Those profiled in the report include Siemens Energy, Forth Ports, Innovair, OEG and Granada.

Paul Lennon, Head of Offshore Wind, Hydrogen and Long-Term Storage at ESB, said: “At ESB, offshore wind will be a cornerstone in the delivery of our net zero carbon emissions by 2040 strategy, and we are committed to delivering benefits for communities and the wider economy where we have key projects. Inch Cape is one of those, and I am delighted to welcome the publication of this report that highlights the positive socio-economic benefits that the project will bring to Scotland and indeed the UK as a whole. We look forward to seeing the real difference this multi-billion-investment will make over its lifetime as Inch Cape makes a significant contribution to UK climate goals.”

Xiaomeng Chen, Red Rock Renewables CEO, added: “Inch Cape is now delivering real value to the Scottish and UK economy, and fulfilling our vision for it to create a long-term, positive impact on the country’s net zero future. Offshore wind is central to achieving a clean energy system, however investment in projects like Inch Cape is also vital in supporting supply chain growth, skills development and quality jobs.

“Opportunities generated for local suppliers throughout each stage of the project, from development to construction and operations, are testament to the value renewable energy and in particular offshore wind can bring to the country’s green economic future. We remain committed to delivering Inch Cape safely and collaboratively, with a clear focus on maximising opportunities for the local economy.”

The flagship Scottish project is under construction with visible activity and a team of more than 100 working at the Port of Leith, ongoing work on its substation at Cockenzie, a new operations facility being built at the Port of Montrose and export cable installation being run from Port of Blyth.

Inch Cape is on track for first power in late-2026 and full commercial operations in 2027. Once complete will generate more than five terawatt hours (TWh) of energy each year, or enough electricity to power the equivalent of half the homes in Scotland.

The socio-economic benefits report is available on the Inch Cape website.