Views sought on plans to increase onshore wind capacity

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 8-12 Gigawatts (GW) of installed onshore wind capacity by 2030. Scotland currently has 8.4GW of installed onshore capacity.

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

Speaking on a visit to Kype Muir Wind Farm in Strathaven, net zero and energy secretary Michael Matheson said: “We need bold action to tackle the climate emergency. Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective forms of large-scale electricity generation and is vital to Scotland’s future energy mix as we transition to a net-zero economy.

“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: “The Scottish Government is committed to an economic recovery from COVID-19 that is both green and fair. The growth of the onshore wind sector presents us with an opportunity to secure further good, green jobs.

“By acting now, we can set Scotland on a pathway to meeting our climate change targets in a way that supports a Just Transition and delivers opportunities for all.

“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: “We welcome the publication of the Scottish Government’s consultation on updating its Onshore Wind Policy Statement and its recognition of the key role onshore wind will play in delivering our net-zero ambitions. The Climate Change Committee’s Sixth Carbon Budget outlines that Scotland will need to deploy a further 12GW of onshore wind by 2030 and industry research shows that this will deliver 17,000 new jobs and £27.8bn GVA into our economy.

“The Scottish Government’s recognition of the need for 12GW of further deployment and its proposal for a Sector Deal to ensure this new era of wind continues to deliver for our communities, our supply chain and our environment is also welcome. These commitments will enable government and industry to work in even closer partnership so we can build on what has already been achieved in these areas.

“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.”