Scotland’s leader John Swinney has unveiled plans that aim to attract private investment in Scotland’s offshore wind industry.
The plans to leverage £1.5bn of private investment in the sector form part of the Programme for Government, which outlines the Scottish government’s priorities for 2024/25.
The plans set out a new coordinated approach to improve planning and consenting, skills development and attracting investment for net-zero including increased support for start-up and scale-up SMEs.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack said: “While we await further detail on today’s announcement, we are pleased that the Scottish government has outlined measures to address the barriers to deployment that will help to realise the full potential of Scotland’s renewable energy industry.
“These are actions that we have consistently called for.
“The proposals outlined today will deliver a new coordinated approach creating a more efficient and effective planning and consenting system, while the focus on developing skills and attracting investment for critical infrastructure will enable key projects to accelerate our journey to net zero.
“With the clock ticking on the need to tackle the climate emergency and maximise the economic opportunity of renewable energy, the Scottish government must now demonstrate confidence in fully delivering what it has announced today.”
To support a just transition to a green economy the Scottish government will shortly publish the Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, which not only doubles ambitions for renewable energy generation but will set out actions to deliver Scotland’s clean energy pipeline and its economic benefits.