The Scottish Government has reset its offshore wind ambition to deliver up to 40GW of new capacity by 2040.
The government said the increased goal, which replaces the previous 8–11GW target for 2030, reflects strong private sector interest in the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas seabed leasing rounds.
The move coincides with £1.8 million of funding to support initial ground investigation and design work for Stornoway Port’s proposed Deep Water South project.
Cabinet secretary for climate action and energy Gillian Martin (pictured) said: “Offshore wind represents a huge economic opportunity for the whole of Scotland delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.
“Stornoway’s location, skills and existing port infrastructure make it vital to supporting the delivery of some of the enormous economic opportunities presented by our growing offshore wind industry.
“The proposed expansion of the Deep Water Terminal at Stornoway Port is the latest example of the growth within our offshore wind sector – which is reflected in our updated ambition for offshore wind capacity.
“Increasing our offshore wind capacity ambition to up to 40GW by 2040 reaffirms our commitment to growing the offshore wind sector – giving certainty to investors – and will help to support our national climate ambitions.”
Chief executive of Stornoway Port Alex Macleod said: “This investment is a hugely significant step forward for Stornoway and the wider Outer Hebrides.”
He added: “Deep Water South is about unlocking the next phase of opportunity, supporting offshore wind, strengthening renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring Stornoway is ready to play a leading role in Scotland’s energy transition.”
He stated: “The approval of Highlands and Islands Enterpise’s support will allow us to move towards detailed design and enabling works with real momentum.
“It reflects strong confidence in the Port’s long-term vision and in the role Stornoway can play in Scotland’s offshore wind industry.
“Our investment alongside HIE underlines our commitment to delivering infrastructure that brings lasting economic benefits to the islands.”
Deep Water South will create a new terminal to accommodate floating offshore wind vessels and provide storage space for large-scale construction and operations.
It will also be designed to allow integration of wind turbine towers, nacelles and blades onto floating foundations to support offshore renewable projects in the area.
Funding for the Deep Water South project will be delivered by Highland and Islands Enterprise.
Director of offshore at trade group Scottish Renewables Colin Palmer said: “It is welcome that the Scottish government shares our ambitions for a sector that already supports more than 16,500 full-time jobs in Scotland and generates £6.8bn for the Scottish economy.
“Scotland will play a key role in achieving the UK’s ambition to build a clean, secure and energy resilient energy system and we urge the UK government to recognise the Scottish government’s new commitment for 40GW of new offshore wind capacity by 2040 in its strategic energy planning.”