Scotland aims for 11GW offshore wind by 2030

The Scottish government hopes its increased offshore wind ambition will support its plans for renewables to power 50% of its electricity, heat and transport by 2030

by Craig Richard 28 October 2020

Scotland currently has 898.2MW of operational offshore wind capacity, including SSE's 588MW Beatrice project

Scotland has increased its 2030 offshore wind target from 8GW to 11GW.

The government stated that this increased ambition supports its plans for renewables to power 50% of its electricity, heat and transport by 2030.

It follows an extensive consultation with industry, stakeholders, coastal communities and environmental organisations.

Scotland currently has 898.2MW of operational offshore wind capacity, according to Windpower Intelligence, the research and data division of Windpower Monthly.

It has a further 1GW under construction, according to Windpower Intelligence, and a further 5.6GW consented, according to the Scottish government.

Seabed landlord Crown Estate Scotland is currently holding a leasing round for up to 10GW of offshore wind capacity. It has not yet provided a final timeline for the round.

Aker Solutions and Macquarie's Green Investment Group are among the companies taking part in the leasing round.