The way in which offshore wind projects are developed in Scotland
is being consulted on, with an updated plan now published for
views.
The draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy
(SMP-OWE) aims to balance the needs of nature, communities, and
other users of the sea.
It will be used to help inform the delivery of offshore wind
projects from the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil
and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds.
Proposals in the plan aim to:
- use the latest data and scientific evidence to inform
decisions on energy developments - such as how projects will
impact wildlife and nature
- ensure the environmental, social, economic opportunities and
constraints from offshore projects are clearly set out to help
inform decision making
- ensure the interests and views of other marine users,
including fishers, coastal and island communities and
environmental groups are taken into account
Acting Net Zero and Energy Secretary said: “Growing Scotland's
offshore wind sector presents enormous economic opportunities for
our country, with the chance to create thousands of well-paid,
green jobs while accelerating our journey to net
zero.
“Our updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy sets
out the opportunities as well as the constraints to developing
offshore wind in Scottish waters.
“It seeks to provides clarity, certainty and confidence to
investors and other marine users, to ensure development is
sustainable and balances the needs of communities, nature and
other users of the sea, to deliver for the people of Scotland and
nature.
“It is important that everyone with an interest has their say and
the Scottish Government will continue to engage closely with the
fishing industry, island and coastal communities and other
sectors throughout the consultation.“
Crown Estate Scotland Director of Marine Mike Spain,
said: “We welcome the publication of the a draft updated
Sectoral Marine Plan and encourage all those with an interest in
Scotland's offshore wind sector to engage with this
consultation.
“We are proud to have conducted two successful offshore wind
leasing rounds and are working in partnership with the sector to
enable these projects to deliver maximum value for
Scotland.”
Background
Consultation - draft
updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy
The consultation will run until 22 August 2025
