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Commitment to develop onshore wind generation
confirmed
Scotland’s onshore wind capacity will more than double by 2030
under plans to help cut harmful emissions and support the energy
sector’s net zero transformation.
The finalised Onshore Wind Policy Statement, published today,
confirms the Scottish Government’s ambitions for 20 Gigawatts
(GW) of onshore wind power to be installed by 2030. This could
generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 19.5
million homes per year. Currently, around 8.7 GW of onshore wind
is operational.
An Onshore Wind Strategic Leadership Group will be formed to
develop an onshore wind sector deal in 2023 to maximise supply
chain and community benefit opportunities from the sector’s
expansion.
The policies set out in the Revised Draft National Planning
Framework 4, currently before Parliament for approval, would
ensure that the planning system enables the growth of this
zero-carbon sector while continuing to protect Scotland’s most
valued natural assets and cultural heritage.
Net Zero & Energy Secretary said:
“We need bold and urgent action to tackle the climate emergency,
and the further expansion of onshore wind will be vital to
delivering on our climate targets while ensuring a just
transition for Scotland’s energy sector.
“As a proven technology and one of the most affordable forms of
energy, onshore wind will be vital to Scotland's future energy
mix, creating and sustaining good green jobs for the sector while
improving our energy security and resilience.
“Our Onshore Wind Policy Statement sets out a clear vision for
the sector to accelerate during what is a critical decade of
action to deliver our energy transition. Our ambition for
increased capacity will be included in our new draft Energy
Strategy and Just Transition Plan, which I am pleased to confirm
will be published in early January 2023.”
Background
Onshore Wind Policy
Statement 2022 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
The Net Zero, Energy & Transport Secretary announced the
finalised Onshore Wind Policy Statement to Parliament on
Wednesday 21 December 2022, and at the same time confirmed that
the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan will be
published in early January 2023. Written question and
answer: S6W-13388 | Scottish Parliament Website
The Sector Deal will be a shared commitment between government
and industry to deliver upon government ambitions and ensure that
the sector grows in a way that aligns with the principles of a
just transition to net zero.
