The Copper team has just returned from the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind Conference 2026 in Glasgow – two days packed with conversations and forward-looking dialogue about where offshore wind really needs to go next. Here’s what stood out from the perspective of someone who was there, notebook in hand and ears wide open.
A sense of momentum – but also of urgency
Beneath the optimism of a significant pipeline of offshore wind projects in Scotland, it was clear that focus must now be on delivery. It’s one thing to have projects on paper, and another to actually build them, connect them to the grid, and get them generating clean power. Across sessions, delegates circled back to the same challenge: how do we turn potential into reality?
Policy: Big ambitions need clear, stable frameworks
A big theme early on was policy – there was healthy discussion around planning timelines, the evolving Contracts for Difference landscape, and how policy incentives can help deliver local jobs and supply chain opportunities. Participants on every panel raised the positive signals coming from AR7 and the importance of quickly moving towards AR8, the need for some clarity on Transmission Network Use of System (TNUoS) charges, grid connection queue reform and the role of incentives like the Clean Industry Bonus – all with an eye on keeping momentum without scaring off investors.
Supply chain talks: Local capabilities, global competition
As always, this conference was awash with a diversity of companies working in or connected to offshore wind generation – from port operators to cable tech developers and everything in between. The discussion around balancing between building Scottish supply-chain strength and competing with global suppliers on cost and delivery times was evident.
Communications: More than just good stories – it’s about trust
One of the most relevant moments in the agenda for Copper came from a session titled “Whistling in the Wind? How to Cut Through the Noise”, which sought to challenge the audience to rethink how the offshore wind story is told. It is clear that the integration of communication across an organisation and a project is imperative, so red flags are recognised early on, opportunities are not missed, and there is a golden thread about social licence from start to finish.
Rather than just celebrating wins or pushing technical achievements, the panel made a simple point: people connect with clear, human messages – not jargon.
A few takeaways from the panel discussion:
- This sector has loads of good news, but we need to tell it in ways that resonate with everyday people – beyond the energy press and LinkedIn circles.
- Trust isn’t built with one-off consultations or short-term programmes. It’s built by showing up consistently with messages that connect emotionally and practically with communities, politicians and stakeholders alike.
- The media landscape is changing fast. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok aren’t just for lifestyle brands – they’re where conversations about energy and climate are happening now and we should be involved.
- Crucially, the industry can’t leave the narrative vacuum to others. Silence, especially when misinformation fills the space, only makes public acceptance harder.
Having a communications-focused session added to the agenda for this conference for the first time felt like a real moment of maturity for the sector, and Copper is looking forward to working with Scottish Renewables on the journey of embedding best practice principles.
Get in touch
Copper is supporting offshore wind projects across Scotland and the UK. If you are interested in how we can support your scheme or any other renewable energy project, please do get in touch with either Laura Sutherland (Scotland Lead) laura.sutherland@copperconsultancy.com or Tom Byrne (Renewables Lead) at tom.byrne@copperconsultancy.com.