Offshore wind policy statement 2020 update: consultation

How will we achieve this ambition?

Pre ScotWind and INTOG

Before the ScotWind leasing round in 2022, Scotland had already demonstrated its leadership in the development of offshore wind. As of June 2025, there are nine operational offshore wind farms, one under construction and a further four have consents.

ScotWind

Significant ambition has been demonstrated by the private sector through the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, with leases awarded to 20 ScotWind projects with a generating capacity of 28GW. In the time since the ScotWind options were awarded, there have been advances in wind turbine technology, and developers have undertaken site investigations and other surveys. As a result, the potential capacity of ScotWind sites has increased from 28GW to 31GW.

ScotWind is the largest leasing round of floating offshore wind in the world and has delivered over £750 million in revenues to the public purse in initial option fees.

ScotWind promises to be transformational in delivering wider economic supply chain benefits to Scottish businesses and communities for decades to come alongside high quality jobs, while providing a significant boost to Scottish and UK-wide green energy production.

Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG)

This first-of-its-kind leasing round resulted in 13 exclusivity agreements being awarded (12 taken forward) and will contribute up to 5.4GW when all projects become operational.

INTOG presents significant opportunities to decarbonise oil and gas production in Scotland while, crucially, enabling the advancement of floating wind technologies.

The projects offer a significant potential revenue stream for the Scottish Government, amounting to up to £261 million in option fees if these are converted to full option agreements.

Post-2030

It is critical that we also look beyond 2030 to ensure the right conditions are in place for the sustainable growth of the offshore wind sector to continue. To meet wider net zero targets and deliver energy security, we must ensure the continued deployment of offshore wind, and in particular floating offshore wind, which makes up the majority of the pipeline post 2030.

Consultation questions:

• Does “up to 40GW of new offshore wind by 2035-2040” demonstrate an appropriate level of ambition for the Scottish Government? Please explain your views.
• What additional actions do you believe should be taken by the Scottish Government, UK Government and agencies in order to realise the full potential of Scotland’s offshore wind sector?