Amazon leaders call on Scotland not to use illegal logging for world's largest floating wind farm

Amazonian leaders have called on Scotland not to rely on illegal logging to build the turbines for the world’s largest floating wind farm.

The Green Volt project, located 80km off the Northeast coast of Scotland, was approved last year.

The Autonomous Territorial Government of the Wampís Nation, in Peru, warned that the development off Peterhead could rely on illegally logged balsa wood from the Amazon rainforest.

Balsa wood is particularly light and strong, yet highly resistant, making it ideal for the manufacture of wind turbine propellers.

Wampís leaders Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat said rising demand for the wood, which grows naturally in the Amazon, has resulted in disputes and threats of violence against indigenous people.

Mingyang is China’s biggest offshore wind company, and environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth Scotland said it is the preferred manufacturer for Green Volt.

The indigenous leaders claim Mingyang and others have allegedly relied on illegal balsa supply chains linked to their territory for years.

Green Volt said that no turbine supplier has been confirmed for the project.

A spokesperson for the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the choice of suppliers is a commercial decision for the companies involved.

But added: “We expect businesses to do everything in their power to remove unethical practices, such as illegal logging, from their supply chains.

“Earlier this month, we joined forces with industry and The Crown Estate to invest £1bn in offshore wind supply chains. This will secure Britain’s renewal through manufacturing facilities and skilled well-paid jobs, delivering on our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”

As part of their campaign, Mr Pati and Mr Asamat visited Holyrood and urged the Scottish Government to cut any links with illegal logging and introduce a corporate accountability law.

“We call on the Scottish Government not to invest in the big wind energy companies that are logging the Wampis territory,” Mr Pati, the Pamuk or elected president of the Wampís Nation said.

“The same goes for the oil and mining companies. Rather, they should invest in our own productive projects, which help to feed our people and protect our territory and forests.”

Tom Younger, from the Forest Peoples Programme advocacy group, said: “The Scottish and UK governments must take tougher measures to ensure that the expansion of wind power does not come at the cost of the Wampis nation’s lives, lands and livelihoods, and rather recognise and support their efforts to protect their territory.”

Green Volt secured approval from the UK Government in April 2024 under the Contracts for Difference scheme – the mechanism for supporting low-carbon electricity generation.

It is the first project in the Crown Estate Scotland’s Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing round to be granted consent.

The world’s current biggest floating wind farm, Hywind Tampen off of Norway, uses just 11 turbines.

“We are developing the largest commercial-scale, floating offshore windfarm in the world, working to hugely ambitious timelines to deliver the government’s goal of 43-50 GW of offshore wind by 2030,” a Green Volt spokesperson said.

“Having secured a Contract for Difference from the government last year, we are identifying supply chain partners to help us build the wind farm. As yet, no turbine supplier has been confirmed for Green Volt.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is clear that the use of safe, sustainable materials in the offshore wind supply chain is critical, ensuring we protect the natural environment as we grow our economy and transition to a green and renewable energy system.”