A Strategic Investment in Scotland's Energy Future - Floating Offshore Wind Farm off the Coast of Dounreay, Caithness - Over 1000 Jobs

19th November 2025

Along the rugged and windswept coast of Dounreay in Caithness, Scotland is positioning itself at the forefront of the global clean-energy transition.

The Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, one of the UK's most advanced floating offshore wind (FLOW) developments, has secured a trio of major public-sector investors—Great British Energy (GBE), the National Wealth Fund (NWF), and the Scottish National Investment Bank—each with the option to invest up to £50 million. Their involvement marks a decisive step toward achieving the UK's clean-power ambitions and strengthening long-term energy security.

Developed by Highland Wind Limited, a company majority-owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP), the Pentland project is set to become a flagship example of how cutting-edge renewable-energy technology can harness Scotland's natural resources.

Situated offshore from Dounreay, the wind farm will, once operational, generate enough renewable electricity to power up to 70,000 homes, firmly embedding Caithness into the national clean-energy landscape.

At the heart of the announcement is the collaborative nature of the investment. Each institution has taken an initial shareholding, signalling early confidence in both the technology and the region.

More than 1,000 jobs are expected to be created and supported across construction and operations, providing a meaningful economic boost to communities across the Highlands.

CIP Partner Nischal Agarwal captured the strategic importance of this moment, saying, "Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) is committed to playing a full role in helping to deliver the UK Government's Clean Power 2030 vision, and we are delighted to welcome NWF, GBE and the Bank as new partners to our Pentland Floating Offshore Wind project.

FLOW holds significant potential to innovate, reduce its technology costs, and establish a world leading UK supply chain capable of enabling scale-able low carbon power generation to meet future growth in electricity demand."

This sentiment was echoed by Dan McGrail, CEO of Great British Energy, who emphasised both regional and national benefits:

"This is just the beginning of our investment strategy and will help bring good, skilled jobs to the Scottish Highlands."

"I am pleased to work with the National Wealth Fund, the Scottish National Investment Bank and the Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on this project. This sets out our aspiration to become the UK government's energy developer."

"It also reflects GBE's ambition, capability, and commitment to making the UK a clean energy superpower."

For the National Wealth Fund, the Pentland project aligns precisely with its mission to drive investment into strategic, future-focused infrastructure. Ian Brown, Head of Banking and Investments, stated, "Increased and sustained investment in offshore wind is crucial to the clean energy transition and key to bolstering the UK’s energy security.

It is essential for the public and private sector to work together to achieve this. Our investment in the Pentland wind farm is a perfect example of that collaborative approach."

"Working with Great British Energy and the Bank, we are building on the more than £240m we have so far invested in offshore wind port and supply chain infrastructure to support CIP in the development of a key project which will help to deliver clean energy, high quality jobs and economic growth to the UK."

The Scottish National Investment Bank, which has developed deep expertise in Scotland’s offshore wind sector, also sees its involvement as central to its long-term mission. Mark Munro, Chief Investment Officer, highlighted, "The offshore wind potential in Scotland is considerable both as a source of energy and, particularly with floating, to export our supply chain. However, substantial investment is needed to capitalise on the opportunity and ensure it delivers transformational impact for our economy and our communities.”

“Our commitment of up to £50m to support the Pentland Project is an important step toward developing a thriving and sustainable economy.”

The announcement also drew strong endorsement from senior government leaders. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves framed the investment in terms of national economic resilience:

“Bolstering our energy security to lower people’s bills is key for boosting living standards and growing an economy that works for, and rewards working people.”

“This initial investment will help cement Scotland as a homegrown, clean energy powerhouse, powering tens of thousands of homes and supporting over a thousand good jobs.”

Energy Minister Michael Shanks emphasised the role of public ownership and national energy strategy, “Great British Energy is owned by the British people and on a mission to take back control of our energy to protect households across the country, harness our abundant natural resources and deliver energy security and jobs.”

“Floating offshore wind is a huge opportunity for the UK, and this first stake in a project by Great British Energy helps put us at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology.”

“We said GBE would build up supply chains, create jobs and drive investment to all parts of the UK - especially in Scotland and this investment shows our publicly owned energy champion is getting on with the job.”

From Scotland’s own leadership, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes underscored the project’s alignment with national priorities, “This investment means the Scottish National Investment Bank can work closely with the developer to support the Scottish supply chain, enhance innovation and boost job opportunities.”

“We are leading the way in the floating wind sector but are ambitious to go further and take full advantage of the economic opportunities Scotland’s natural resources and technical expertise provide.”

“That is why we are investing up to £500 million over five years in the infrastructure and manufacturing facilities critical to growing the offshore wind sector, which is expected to leverage additional private investment of £1.5 billion.”

Together, these statements reveal a powerful consensus: the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm, anchored off the Dounreay coastline, represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s energy future. It is a project where technological innovation, public investment, industrial transformation, and regional development all intersect.

As Scotland moves rapidly toward a clean-energy-driven economy, Pentland stands as a symbol of what is possible when world-leading engineering meets strong public commitment. The winds off the coast of Caithness have long shaped the landscape; soon, they will help power tens of thousands of homes, reinforce the nation’s energy security, and support a new generation of skilled Scottish jobs.

Planning Application
The application to Highland council dated 6 December 2022.
Pentland Offshore Floating Wind Farm - Erection and Operation of an offshore floating wind farm and associated offshore infrastructure comprising up to seven floating wind turbines of up to 300m to blade
tip height, seven floating substructures with associated mooring lines and anchors / piles, inter-array cables, two export cables , landfall, and associated scour and cable protection measures.
Granted.