Scotland’s onshore wind capacity is set to more than double by 2030 under plans to help cut harmful emissions and support the energy sector’s net zero transformation.
The Scottish government said the finalised Onshore Wind Policy Statement, published Wednesday (December 21), shows its ambitions for 20 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind power to be installed by 2030.
This could generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 19.5 million homes per year. Currently, around 8.7GW of onshore wind is operational in the country.
The government said that an Onshore Wind Strategic Leadership Group will be formed to develop an onshore wind sector deal in 2023 to maximise supply chain and community benefit opportunities from the sector’s expansion.
Net Zero and Energy Secretary, Michael Matheson, said: “We need bold and urgent action to tackle the climate emergency, and the further expansion of onshore wind will be vital to delivering on our climate targets while ensuring a just transition for Scotland’s energy sector.
“As a proven technology and one of the most affordable forms of energy, onshore wind will be vital to Scotland’s future energy mix, creating and sustaining good green jobs for the sector while improving our energy security and resilience.
“Our Onshore Wind Policy Statement sets out a clear vision for the sector to accelerate during what is a critical decade of action to deliver our energy transition.
“Our ambition for increased capacity will be included in our new draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, which I am pleased to confirm will be published in early January 2023.”
