Onshore wind
We need to take bold action to tackle the climate emergency and onshore wind will play a key role in our transition to net zero.
Onshore wind is a cheap and reliable source of electricity generation. Scotland leads the way in onshore wind deployment and support across the UK, due to our natural wind resource and policy commitments.
The Scottish Government is committed to the continued development and deployment of onshore wind across Scotland. This supports the rapid decarbonisation of our energy system and the sectors which depend upon it, in line with a just transition to net zero.
Statistics published by the UK Government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show that Scotland had an installed capacity of over 10.1GW in onshore wind which generated 4,528GWh in the third quarter of 2024.
Onshore wind policy statement
We published our onshore wind policy statement 2022 (OWPS) in December 2022 which introduced a new ambition for a minimum installed capacity of 20GW of onshore wind in Scotland by 2030. This restated our commitment to the continued development and deployment of onshore wind in Scotland.
To support achieving this goal, the OWPS committed the Scottish Government to form an Onshore Wind Strategic Leadership Group (SLG) in order to take forward the aspirations of the OWPS and the development of an onshore wind sector deal which was signed with industry in September 2023.
The deal has 63 commitments, some for government, some for industry and others a collaboration by both. It looks to deliver upon shared ambitions, while growing the sector in a way that aligns with the principles of a just transition to net zero. As part of that deal, we are continuing to support and encourage shared ownership and community benefit from onshore wind. This will ensure we maximise economic benefit of this natural resource for the people of Scotland.