Scots government launches review of offshore wind target

The Scottish government has unveiled moves to further boost offshore wind deployment north of the border.

The Scottish National Party led-government has an existing ambition for more than 20GW of additional renewable electricity generation capacity by 2030.

However, its latest draft energy strategy says this level must be reviewed in light of the Crown Estate’s ScotWind leasing round, together with the associated benefits additional renewable deployment can deliver for Scotland.

As part of the draft energy strategy, the Scottish government is consulting on whether there should be an increased ambition for offshore wind deployment and the level that should be by 2030 and 2045.

The paper says the existing potential construction and planning pipeline contains more than 40GW of offshore wind projects.

This includes lease options for a combined total of 27.6GW signed by developers in last January’s Scotwind leasing round.

The strategy adds there is “significant potential” for generating more renewable electricity than Scotland needs, which could then be exported. It says the Scottish government is developing sector export plans for both renewables and hydrogen.

The strategy also says the Scottish government remains open to reviewing the scope for future seabed leasing opportunities for offshore wind projects should evidence become available that suggests they are necessary to support the sector’s growth.

A review of the Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, taking place this year, will give a clearer picture of the scale of offshore wind development likely to be permitted.

The strategy also includes draft visions for marine and solar energy, which will be completed when the final version of the energy and just transition plan is published later this year.

Morag Watson, director of policy at Scottish Renewables, said the draft energy strategy and just transition plan are “bold, ambitious and potentially transformative pieces of work”.

“We are particularly encouraged by the government’s commitment to consult on increasing our ambition for offshore wind power and setting targets for solar and tidal and wave energy generation.

“We must however remember that many barriers still stand in the way of our industry’s continued development, and that we need strong action – and all renewable energy technology options on the table – as we develop the low-carbon energy system of the future.”

According to the strategy, there is 13.4GW of renewable electricity generation capacity already deployed in Scotland, sufficient to meet 48% of the country’s current total energy demand.

The Scottish government has previously set 2030 targets of 8GW and 11GW for onshore and offshore wind respectively.