Onshore Wind Strategy a 'strong signal of intent', says trade body
The UK Government has today (July 4) published the Onshore Wind Strategy which sets out more than 40 actions to double the UK’s onshore wind capacity to 29GW by 2030.
Industry representatives, including Scottish Renewables, have supported the Onshore Wind Industry Taskforce established by the UK Government last summer to examine barriers to growth opportunities for the sector.
Scottish Renewables and the Scottish Government signed the Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal in 2023 which seeks to achieve 20GW of operational onshore wind in Scotland by 2030.
Recent analysis published by Scottish Renewables has revealed that onshore wind supports more than 16,800 jobs and an economic output of £6.4 billion in Scotland.
Commenting, Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:
"Scotland has a proud history in onshore wind and the bold strategy published today reaffirms how central the Scottish onshore wind sector will be to the UK’s clean power journey.
"Onshore wind is a cost-effective source of clean energy that can be deployed at pace, supporting skilled jobs and tangible community benefit. Making the most of our onshore wind resource will also strengthen our energy security in the years ahead.
"Scottish Renewables secured the landmark Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal in 2023 and the clear actions published today will build on this effort by tackling the issues that demand close working across the UK.
"Renewed commitments on planning efficiency, grid connections, radar and aviation in the strategy are all strong signals of intent by the UK and Scottish governments to boost onshore wind deployment.
"We will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver the strategy and determine the pathway beyond 2030 for the Scottish onshore wind sector."
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Notes
- Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Economic Impact Update of Scotland's Renewable Energy Sector - Fraser of Allander Institute
- Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal - The Scottish Government