Scottish Government publishes final Onshore Wind Policy Statement

The Scottish Government today (December 21) published its final Onshore Wind Policy Statement (OnWPS). 

Responding, Mark Richardson, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said:

“The renewable energy industry welcomes The Scottish Government’s support for onshore wind and the publication of its final Onshore Wind Policy Statement, which makes Scotland the best place in the UK to develop onshore wind projects.

“The policy statement sets out that Scotland’s electricity demand will at least double within the next two decades and that developing more onshore wind could create 17,000 jobs and £27.8 billion in GVA for the country’s economy.

“As highlighted in the Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report for 2022 this month, Scotland must accelerate its transition to net-zero. The Onshore Wind Policy Statement recognises that ‘business as usual’ will not achieve our net-zero obligations, and that transformational change is needed. Along with the revised National Planning Framework 4 planning reforms this publication provides a real opportunity for Scotland to strengthen its position as a global leader in renewable energy.”

• The Onshore Wind Policy Statement is available from The Scottish Government.