The Scottish government has launched two consultations aimed at informing the development of its offshore wind policies.
The consultations will solicit input from Scottish residents and stakeholders on Scotland’s draft Offshore Wind Policy Statement, which details the government’s ambitions for expansion of the Scottish wind energy sector; as well as the draft Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind, which lays out proposals for optimised sustainability in the commercialisation of offshore wind plants. Both the draft proposals have been drawn up in line with the Scottish government’s plans to attain net zero carbon emissions by 2045; and with due consideration of the need to conserve the coastal and marine ecosystems.
Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish Minister for Energy, said: “Earlier this year the Scottish government declared a climate emergency and outlined our commitment to become a net zero emissions economy and society by 2045; a goal which will require significant growth in the available supply of renewable electricity as we decarbonise heat and transport systems. The offshore wind sector is already playing an increasingly vital role in helping us to realise that ambition, but we want to make the most of the opportunities that sector represents, in terms of fixed foundation and floating wind technologies.
“Scotland is recognised internationally as a country with high ambition in terms of decarbonisation of our economy, and we are determined to build on our reputation as a renewable energy powerhouse. We aim to provide a supportive policy environment for offshore wind and leasing opportunities across our 462,000 km2 of seas that can sustain a healthy pipeline of sustainable projects capable of unlocking investment in the supply chain and providing both clean energy and opportunities for long term operations and maintenance jobs for coastal communities. Our plans, once finalised, will be vital in delivering the outcomes we want to see.”
