The Scottish Government believes that the country’s net zero commitment presents the perfect opportunity to revisit and reassess their original Onshore Wind Policy Statement, published in 2017 and has now launched a consultation on the draft.
The consultation will consider how the Scottish Government can strengthen its support for Onshore Wind deployment in Scotland, specifically consulting on their ambition for an additional 8-12 Gigawatts to be installed by 2030, how to tackle the barriers to deployment, and how to secure maximum economic benefit from these development. The country currently has 8.4GW of installed onshore capacity.
According to the Scottish Government, 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.
The aim of the consultation is to obtain the views of as many organisations, groups and individuals as possible and to help inform and shape the policy.
Speaking on a visit to Kype Muir Wind Farm in Strathaven, Net Zero and Energy Secretary Michael Matheson commented: “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.”
The draft Onshore Wind Policy Statement is available on the Scottish Government website.
The consultation on the Statement runs until 21st of January 2022. More information about this consultation and how to take part is available on the Scottish Government website.
