Leading trade body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has responded to the opening of a consultation that seeks views on increasing Scotland’s offshore wind ambition by to up to 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2040.
Scotland’s current offshore wind capacity ambition is between 8 – 11 GW by 2030.
Commenting, OEUK Sustainability and Policy Director Mike Tholen said:
'Support and ambition for offshore wind is critical and must go hand in hand with unlocking action through spurring company investment.
'The North Sea offers a world-leading opportunity to meet shared climate goals, with each additional gigawatt bringing us closer to net zero.
'We need a pragmatic approach which harnesses the power of wind to electrify homes and electrify oil and gas platforms. This makes sure the North Sea can always be the energy provider of choice to the UK and further.
'Achieving the UK’s Clean Power 2030 target requires 43 to 51GW of offshore wind by 2030 and at least £15bn in private investment annually – unless progress accelerates, the UK will reach only 35GW.
'We will work with our members and respond to the consultation in due course.'
Source: OEUK
