A consultation on the Scottish Government’s ambition to more than double Scotland’s onshore wind capacity by 2030 has been launched.
The proposals, first outlined in the co-operation agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Green Party, are set out in a draft Onshore Wind Policy Statement.
They would secure an additional 8-12GW of installed onshore wind capacity by 2030.
Scotland has 8.4GW of installed onshore capacity today.
Additional capacity is possible primarily due to technological advancements in turbines, which are now larger and more efficient than many currently in use and coming to the end of their operational life, the document stated.
Speaking on a visit to Kype Muir Wind Farm in Strathaven, net zero and energy secretary Michael Matheson (pictured) said: “We need bold action to tackle the climate emergency.
“Our draft Onshore Wind Policy Statement outlines the huge potential for this technology, and assesses the significant economic opportunity of future deployment, particularly in light of our green recovery aspirations.
“I would urge everyone, from businesses to communities to individuals, to take part in the consultation to support the work we are doing to help secure a greener, fairer future for everyone in Scotland.”
Green skills minister Lorna Slater said: “Scotland has excellent onshore wind expertise and is recognised as having one of the best systems in the world in which to deploy wind farms.
“The changes we are proposing will build on this to make Scotland even more attractive for wind developers and the wider supply chain industry.”
Morag Watson, director of policy at Scottish Renewables, said the Scottish Government’s recognition of the need for 12GW of further deployment and its proposal for a Sector Deal is welcome.
“There will be significant challenges to overcome, particularity in the capacity of the planning system to deliver timely consents, but as we head into COP26 industry looks forward to working with the Scottish Government to overcome these barriers to cement Scotland’s position as a world leader in both onshore wind and action on climate change,” Watson said.