Update to the 2020 Offshore Wind Policy Statement: Scotland's Offshore Wind Ambition

1. Ministerial foreword

Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy

Offshore wind presents an era-defining opportunity to grow our green economy for the benefit of communities across Scotland, while supporting our energy security and journey towards net zero.

Since the last Offshore Wind Policy Statement was published in 2020, much has changed.

Through our world-leading ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas leasing rounds, Scotland has positioned itself at the forefront of offshore wind development globally with a potential project pipeline of over 40 GW – more than a third of the total UK pipeline (for projects that have reached the planning stage), which is one of the largest in the world.

Our Green Industrial Strategy, published in 2024, recognises offshore wind as a priority opportunity area, where Scotland has globally competitive strengths and the potential to deliver transformational economic growth.

We are delivering a programme which has unlocked almost £900 million of investment so far to anchor our offshore wind supply chain and develop our offshore wind port infrastructure. In doing so, we are working to ensure the offshore wind opportunity in Scotland delivers economic growth, including jobs, and revitalises our coastal communities.

Now is the time to set out our offshore wind ambitions alongside our updated plans to ensure that communities and citizens reap the benefits of this approach.