Onshore wind vision and development of offshore supply chain announced in Programme for Government

The First Minister today (September 6) announced she is committed to publishing the final Onshore Wind Policy Statement and a Vision for Onshore Wind in Scotland, which will set out how 12GW of onshore wind can be developed.

This commitment to onshore wind mirrors Scottish Renewables’ earlier call for an Onshore Wind Sector Deal which industry needs to achieve net-zero by 2030.

The Programme for Government also saw the First Minister commit to facilitating the development of Scotland’s offshore wind supply chain as part of the potential development of almost 28GW of offshore wind energy through the ScotWind Leasing process.

This announcement comes after Scottish Renewables called for Scotland’s first ever Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy to drive forward renewables-led investment and a just transition for Scottish clean energy suppliers and manufacturers.

Responding, Ben Walker, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns at Scottish Renewables, said:

“We are pleased that our suggestions for an Onshore Wind Sector Deal and supply chain support were reflected in the First Minister’s Programme for Government set out in the Scottish Parliament today.

“The Scottish Government’s commitment to publish the Onshore Wind Policy Statement and a Vision for Onshore Wind will make vital progress towards achieving a sector deal for this most critical of Scottish industries. Onshore wind is a tried, tested and trusted technology which can provide low-cost power and help to keep consumer bills down at a time when we need it most.

“The pledge to develop our offshore wind supply chain reflects aspects of our call to introduce a Low-Carbon Industrial Strategy. This announcement will help to kick start a Scottish industrial strategy, helping realise the vast opportunity of ScotWind as well as ensuring a just transition for our clean energy suppliers.

“We look forward to working closely with The Scottish Government on the delivery of these commitments.”

More detail on The Scottish Government's announcement can be found on its website.

Ends

Notes:

• Our media release ahead of today’s Programme for Government, setting out our policy positions, is available from last month (August) on our website.
• Free to use image of Ben Walker available via Dropbox, here.