The Scottish government has launched two consultations to inform the pipeline of future offshore wind development in Scotland and improve understanding on its role in meeting net zero emission targets.
Views are being sought on the draft Offshore Wind Policy Statement in addition to the draft Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy.
The latter document outlines how the government proposes to maximise the opportunities that offshore wind presents, with regard for the marine environment, other users of the sea and planning responsibilities, the government said.
The draft Sectoral Marine Plan will inform the next round of seabed leasing for offshore wind in Scottish waters, being taken forward on Scottish Ministers’ behalf by Crown Estate Scotland.
Both consultations are open for 14 weeks and will close on Wednesday 25 March next year.
An additional two weeks have been added to the standard 12 week consultation period to account for the Christmas and New Year holiday period, the government said.
Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse 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.”