Scottish Enterprise has identified 11 sites which could be potential bases for the offshore wind industry.
They include locations in Fife, Dundee, Aberdeen, Ayrshire and the Highlands.
The sites will receive investment over the next five years in an effort to create manufacturing and assembly sites for offshore wind turbines.
Estimates put the capital costs of offshore wind projects in Scottish waters alone at between £15bn to £18bn in the next 10 years.
The identification of sites is the first phase of the development of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan.
The plan is being led by Scottish Enterprise, with support by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Adrian Gillespie, senior director of Scottish Enterprise’s energy team, said: “The further development of a first phase of locations is critical to Scotland establishing itself as a leading location for manufacturing and assembling wind turbines and marine devices.
“Over time, the industry will offer significant opportunities for the whole of Scotland.
“Investing in these sites will provide companies and investors in offshore wind with suitable locations to base themselves to develop, service and support the opportunities that will be created in Scottish and UK water for renewable energy.”
The Scottish government has identified the renewable energy sector as key to Scotland’s economic growth.
However, the main economic benefits will come from being able to build manufacturing and service industries around offshore wind.
The sites which have been identified will potentially become the main locations for these industries.