Scotland could raise offshore wind target as nation lays plans for green energy boom
Government consults on increasing existing goal for wind at sea and aims for 12GW extra onshore turbines
Scotland’s government said it could raise its national offshore wind target and restated ambitions for a massive expansion of onshore turbines as it released a new draft energy transition strategy.
The Scottish Government set out plans to spur more than 20GW of new renewable capacity by 2030 as part of its longer-term net zero push by 2045, up from 13.4GW now.
That would include 12GW of extra onshore wind in Scotland – home to some of Europe’s best sites for turbines on land – that would more than double the existing fleet of 8.8GW.
The draft strategy issued today for consultation (Tuesday) also flagged the possibility that Scotland could increase its current target to have 8-11GW of offshore wind in place by the end of the decade, as well as set a new goal for 2045.
The draft strategy added: “Whilst licensing [of new fossil projects] is reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government is consulting on whether, in order to support the fastest possible and most effective just transition, there should be a presumption against new exploration for oil and gas.”
Targets for marine renewable energy and solar could also be on the cards under the new strategy, said the draft document.
Plans for hydrogen – namely 5GW of installed renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production capacity in Scotland by 2030 and 25GW by 2045 – remain unchanged under the new draft. The Scottish government said it wants surplus power from the vast renewables base to be directed to producing green hydrogen for domestic consumption and export.
The draft strategy also sets out detailed aspirations for a ‘just transition’ and community ownership of renewables projects.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The current energy crisis has demonstrated how vulnerable our energy system is to international price shocks, while laying bare the need for structural reform to ensure affordability for consumers.
“This strategy will shape the next 25 years of energy production in Scotland. It provides an independent assessment of the future of the North Sea and shows that as we reduce Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas – as both generators and consumers – there is a huge environmental and economic opportunity to be seized.”
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