ScotGov seeks to double its onshore wind turbines
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A consultation on the Scottish Government’s ambition to more than double Scotland’s onshore wind capacity by 2030 was launched ahead of COP26.
The proposals, first outlined in the Scottish Government-Scottish Green Party cooperation agreement, are set out in a draft onshore wind policy statement.
They would guarantee an additional onshore wind capacity of 8 to 12 gigawatts by 2030. Scotland currently has 8.4 GW of installed capacity on land.
Additional capacity is possible mainly due to technological advancements in turbines, which are now larger and more efficient than many turbines currently in use and nearing the end of their operational life.
Read more: Turbines are getting bigger
Speaking during a visit to the Kype Muir Wind Farm in Strathaven, Net Zero and Energy Secretary Michael Matheson said: “We need bold action to address the climate emergency. Onshore wind is one of the most profitable forms of large-scale power generation and is vital to Scotland’s future energy mix as we move towards a net zero economy.
“Our draft onshore wind policy statement describes the enormous potential of this technology and assesses the significant economic opportunity for future deployment, especially in light of our green recovery aspirations.
“I urge everyone from businesses to communities to individuals to join the consultation to support the work we are doing to help ensure a greener and fairer future for everyone in Scotland.”
Green Skills Minister Lorna Slater said: ‘The Scottish government is committed to an economic recovery from COVID-19 that is both green and fair. The growth of the onshore wind sector offers us an opportunity to secure other good green jobs.
“By acting now, we can put Scotland on track to meet our climate change goals in a way that supports a just transition and provides opportunities for all.
“Scotland has excellent onshore wind expertise and is recognized as one of the best systems in the world for deploying wind farms. The changes we are proposing will build on this to make Scotland even more attractive to wind developers and the broader supply chain industry. ”
Read more: Are Scottish wind turbines turning off tourists?
Renewables UK’s recent onshore wind prospectus suggests that around 17,000 jobs and the equivalent of £ 27.8 billion in gross value added could be created through the deployment of an additional 12 GW of onshore wind capacity from by 2030.
The draft onshore wind policy statement is available on the Scottish Government website and consultation will run until 21 January 2022.
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