The Scottish government has confirmed plans to deliver a minimum 20GW installed onshore wind capacity by 2030.
Holyrood rubber-stamped the target in today’s publication of its Onshore Wind Policy Statement.
Hitting the end-of-decade milestone will see an additional 12GW new generation capacity built to complement the country’s existing 8.7GW fleet.
The policy document sets out plans to establish an Onshore Wind Strategic Leadership Group (SLG) that will spearhead delivery of the 2030 target and comprise members of government, industry, supply chain stakeholders and community groups.
The SLG will additionally take the lead on developing an Onshore Wind Sector Deal for Scotland that will “identify solutions to key deployment challenges, establish opportunities to maximise benefits to Scotland, and foster a collaborative spirit across the sector, while aiding a just transition”.
Cabinet secretary for net zero, energy and transport Michael Matheson (pictured) said: “We are at a crucial juncture in energy policy at Scottish and UK levels, and we must collectively find and support solutions that deliver affordability of energy, for the long-term.
“Technologies that take decades to deliver and are expensive for consumers, such as new nuclear fission, are not an acceptable solution and to continue pursuing these technologies will only add to the enormous pressures facing households and businesses.”
Scottish Renewables senior policy manager Mark Richardson welcomed the Onshore Wind Policy Statement, saying it underscores Scotland’s position as “the best place in the UK to develop onshore wind projects”.
“The policy statement sets out that Scotland’s electricity demand will at least double within the next two decades and that developing more onshore wind could create 17,000 jobs and £27.8bn in GVA for the country’s economy.
“As highlighted in the Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report for 2022 this month, Scotland must accelerate its transition to net-zero.
“The OWPS recognises that ‘business as usual’ will not achieve our net-zero obligations, and that transformational change is needed.
“Along with the revised National Planning Framework 4 planning reforms this publication provides a real opportunity for Scotland to strengthen its position as a global leader in renewable energy.”