Scotland’s ‘ScotWind’ offshore leasing round has the potential to be a major boom for Scotland’s economy while helping to the energy transition away from fossil fuels. With the first round of leases now under development, it is crucial to examine how offshore wind projects can maximise domestic supply chain growth and job creation, as well as wider considerations about how to maximise the impact of offshore wind for Scotland’s economy, the taxpayer and communities.

We were delighted to host this webinar on May 6th, joined by a panel of expert speakers: 

Kateryna McKinnon is Development Manager in the Offshore Wind Development team at Crown Estate Scotland. She joined Crown Estate Scotland in 2022, having previously worked with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Educated in Ukraine as an Economist, Kateryna has worked in economic development in Scotland for 17 years. Her experience spans across research and economics, energy and supply chain development, European and International policy, engagement and funding. She currently focuses on managing a portfolio of seabed option to lease agreements for offshore wind, including pre-ScotWind, ScotWind and INTOG Innovation projects.

Dr Ewan Gibbs

Ewan Gibbs is senior lecturer in Economic and Social History at Glasgow University. He is a historian of energy, industry, work and protest in Scotland and Britain. Ewan's his first book, Coal Country: The Meaning and Memory of Deindustrialization in Postwar Scotland, was published by the University of London Press in 2021. In 2024 Ewan co-authored a report with Riyoko Shibe on the Grangemouth refinery closure for the Just Transition Commission. He has also published research on why Scotland hasn't achieved the advances in wind manufacturing which governments hoped for.

Emma Harrick is Director of Energy Transition and Supply Chain at Scottish Renewables. Scottish Renewables is the voice of Scotland’s renewable energy industry and works to grow the sector as well as sustain its position at the forefront of the global clean energy industry. Emma comes from a background in the renewable energy supply chain with experience in engineering, fabrication and port services organisations. Having worked in the sector for many years, Emma has an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by companies who are hoping to benefit from the opportunities presented by net-zero technology projects. In her role at Scottish Renewables, Emma works collaboratively across the sector through her engagement with stakeholders and participation in groups, such as the Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council’s Supply Chain and Clusters working group, to champion the diverse organisations making up the growing renewable energy supply chain in Scotland.

Miriam Brett is a Co-Founder and Co-Director at Future Economy Scotland.

The full webinar can be watched: 

https://youtu.be/iqifqzme4Es?si=OV2cGQkUIhb2q9GA