Scotland has opened a public consultation on plans to raise its offshore wind ambition to as much as 40GW of new capacity by 2040.
The proposal would mark a major increase from the existing 8–11GW target set for 2030, and is intended to provide certainty to investors while aligning with the Scottish Government’s long-term net-zero targets.
Announcing the move at the Global Offshore Wind Forum in London, cabinet secretary for climate action and energy Gillian Martin said: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.
“As a result we need to update our ambition for offshore wind to reflect and firmly underline our commitment to economic growth and investment offered by the sector.
“I would urge everyone with an interest in offshore wind to have a say in the consultation.”
The updated ambition follows strong private sector interest in the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds.
The consultation will run until 13 August and feed into a revised Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, which will outline a sustainable development roadmap for future leasing activity.
The Scottish Government estimates that 40GW of offshore wind capacity would produce enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 45 million homes a year, assuming average load factors and 2023 levels of household consumption.