Scotland Counts on Offshore Wind in New Energy Strategy

The draft Scottish Energy Strategy has set out a new target to deliver the equivalent of 50 per cent of the energy required for Scotland’s heat, transport and electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030, including energy coming from offshore wind and floating wind farms.

To support this vision, Scotland will next month announce details of up to GBP 50 million in funding to be awarded to 13 projects, at sites across Scotland, which will demonstrate low carbon or renewable electricity, heating or storage solutions.

The new energy strategy also envisages Scotland as a world centre for energy innovation, spurred on, among other things, by innovation in offshore wind, including floating wind.

The strategy also seeks views on the steps the government can take to support the full range of renewable electricity generation technologies to both meet domestic electricity demand and to provide economic opportunities for Scotland and opportunities for communities to invest.

The feedback is also sought on the proposed establishment of a Scottish government owned energy company and its potential remit in meeting Scotland’s energy needs, and the potential role for renewable energy bonds.

“The Scottish Government is determined to support a stable, managed transition to a low carbon economy in Scotland, recognising the very real need to decarbonise our heat supplies and transport system. The oil and gas sector will continue to play a vital role during that transition, because our economy will continue to require hydrocarbons over this period,’‘ Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, said.

“In particular, the renewable energy sector, which now employs more than 11,000 people in Scotland, and which has been a major driver of Scotland’s economy in recent years, has the potential to grow even further, helping us meet our climate change targets through extending our success in decarbonising electricity supplies to secure a step-change in decarbonising energy for heat and transport. Through this, we can build the right environment for innovation, investment and the creation of even more high value jobs in Scotland. I am very keen to ensure this strategy, which helps to underpin key aspects of the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan which was published last week, is infused with the thoughts and views of people from right across Scotland and I would strongly encourage everyone to participate.”