The Scottish government is inviting feedback on proposals to boost the country’s offshore wind capacity to as much as 40 GW by 2040.
The consultation period will last until August 13. This 40 GW estimate is based on the assumption that offshore wind capacity in 2040 will operate at load factors consistent with the average from the previous five years, providing enough renewable energy to power 45 million homes, according to the government.
The Offshore Wind Policy Statement, released in 2020, initially targeted 8 GW to 11 GW of offshore wind in Scotland by 2030.
The government indicates that the revised offshore wind capacity target is driven by strong private sector interest in the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds.
“Scotland’s offshore wind industry is already generating significant opportunities, creating jobs, and attracting substantial investment nationwide. Therefore, we must elevate our offshore wind ambitions to emphasize our commitment to the economic growth and investment potential of this sector,” stated Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy.
The new 40 GW goal will align with the updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE), which is also open for consultation until August 22.
Once finalized, the SMP-OWE will provide a framework for the sustainable development of the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds.
The launch of this consultation was announced at Renewable UK’s Global Offshore Wind Forum in London.
Source: Offshore Wind
