SOWEC appoints new industry co-chair to drive offshore wind growth

The Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy, Stephen Gethins MSP, has confirmed the appointment of a new Scottish Offshore Wind Energy Council (SOWEC) industry co-chair. Clare Lavelle, project director for Buchan Offshore Wind, has been appointed for a two-year term to provide strategic leadership to SOWEC and help drive forward its work to support the sustainable growth of the sector.

Clare brings over two decades of experience in energy and infrastructure to the role, having delivered a diverse range of projects and programmes in electricity networks, offshore wind, hydrogen, and the wider energy transition. She was previously a member of the SOWEC Developer Group, providing strategic direction on behalf of industry to inform SOWEC priorities, and is also a non-executive director at Scottish Renewables where she has helped to shape offshore wind policy reform working to position Scotland at the forefront of the global energy transition.

Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy, Stephen Gethins said: “I am delighted to welcome Clare Lavelle as the new industry co-chair of SOWEC.

“Offshore wind is a major economic and net zero opportunity for Scotland, and SOWEC plays a vital role in helping realise that potential.”

“Clare brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, and I look forward to working closely with her to support the continued growth of Scotland's offshore wind sector.

“I would also like to thank Claire Mack for her commitment and contribution to SOWEC, and for the progress made under her leadership.”

Clare Lavelle, project director, Buchan Offshore Wind, said: "This is a pivotal moment for Scotland's offshore wind sector. As Scotland accelerates the pace of delivery, effective leadership, coordination and collaboration between government and industry will be essential to ensure the country realises the full economic security and prosperity that offshore wind can deliver.

"I would like to thank outgoing co-chair Claire Mack for her leadership and commitment to SOWEC. Her contribution has helped strengthen the partnership between industry and government that sits at the heart of the organisation's success.

“Building on that strong foundation, I look forward to working alongside Mr Gethins to ensure SOWEC continues to drive alignment, champion the sector and deliver a tangible outcomes-driven programme for Scotland, with a sharp focus on the issues that are critical to unlocking the significant economic opportunities presented by offshore wind."

SOWEC was established to lead collaboration between the private and public sector to grow the industry and support the delivery of 40GW of fixed and floating offshore wind in Scottish waters by 2040. The Council’s work is informed and undertaken by a number of groups, delivering workplans focused on priority themes: Supply Chain Development; Innovation; Workforce, Skills and Training; Environment and Planning, Data and Route to Market; Communities and Stakeholders; and Industrial Strategies and Investment.