S6W-27757

Asked by: Lennon, Monica (Scottish Labour - Central Scotland)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider seeking to amend the conditions for future renewables leasing rounds, including subsequent ScotWind leasing rounds, regarding group companies and supply chain partners, in line with the conditions set for Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) project bidders.

Answered by McAllan, Màiri - Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition

Seabed leasing for offshore wind is administered by Crown Estate Scotland (CES), which sets the terms of lease. CES keeps the terms of lease under regular review to reflect any legislative updates or changes to CES or Scottish government policy. Leasing terms will therefore vary between leasing rounds to ensure that such agreements remain fit for purpose and reflect the latest statutory requirements and policy positions, as demonstrated by changes between the ScotWind and INTOG leasing terms.

CES appraise lease applications as part of a rigorous internal assessment and due diligence process to confirm developer suitability, and only make awards to organisations that satisfy this assessment process. As part of this process companies provide a written statement to CES to confirm they have not been convicted of unlawful activity in relation to a range of requirements, including corruption, bribery, fraud, and human trafficking and exploitation, within the last five years. Only companies providing such assurances could proceed with bids. Five years was chosen by CES as a practical timeframe that balanced the need for the required statement to be robust, pragmatic and timely.

The criteria underpinning this assessment process is published for the purposes of transparency and accountability. CES also considers the impact of developments with regards to social and environmental wellbeing in Scotland.

In both the Scotwind and INTOG leasing rounds, CES required a statement of commitment from each applicant and any project partners confirming that they were not in contravention of a range of legislation. This requirement safeguarded against the successful participation of companies convicted of unlawful conduct either within the UK or internationally, including unlawful conduct in relation to ecologically damaging developments.

CES also have responsibilities under the Scottish Government’s Slavery and Human trafficking statement and follow guidance on due diligence in relation to human rights.

CES are committed to taking all appropriate action to prevent the Scottish seabed from being used by any company that does not meet its terms of lease.

CES reserves the right to void any application in relation to ScotWind, INTOG or other developments which is found to have provided false information.

In addition, all offshore wind developments in Scotland are subject to strict environmental assessment processes for the purposes of preserving our natural environment and mitigating any damage.

Mentions:
1: None As I said earlier, all that it would do is free up some time and human resource to allow us to start - Speech Link
2: None that, we are doing as much as we can, but it is about being highly observant of people who could be trafficking - Speech Link

Mentions:
1: Simpson, Graham (Con - Central Scotland) We are all human, and none of us is perfect. We occasionally get things wrong. - Speech Link
2: MacGregor, Fulton (SNP - Coatbridge and Chryston) government, including the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Bill, the Human - Speech Link