Onshore wind power set to double

THE volume of electricity produced by onshore wind power in Scotland is set to double by the end of the decade.

Says the Scottish Government, here, Scotland’s current onshore wind capacity is 8.7GW.

But, after unveiling the ‘finalised Onshore Wind Policy Statement’, the government has set a target of 20GW by 2030, which will generate enough electricity to power an estimated 19.5 million homes per year.

Adds the government announcement: “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.

“The policies set out in the Revised Draft National Planning Framework [fourth edition], currently before [the Scottish] Parliament for approval, would ensure that the planning system enables the growth of this zero-carbon sector while continuing to protect Scotland’s most-valued natural assets and cultural heritage.”

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland