Thanks to the latest developments in the offshore wind industry in Scotland, our The renewable energy revolution is underway.
Billions will be invested in high-quality green jobs and Scotland’s just transition to net zero as 17 new offshore wind projects are given the green light.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Potential to generate 25 gigawatts of clean, green energy
The 17 new offshore wind projects, announced as part of the ScotWind auction, have a combined potential capacity to generate up to 25 GW (gigawatts) of power.
For perspective, current offshore wind capacity in Scotland is nearly 2GW – with a further 8.4GW under construction or in advanced development.
🏴 ViaMichelin
✅ 17 offshore wind projects have been given the green light, with Scottish supply chain investment commitments.
👷🏼 Billions will be invested in good green jobs in Scotland – reaching net zero by 2045. pic.twitter.com/3yIHq0iu9P
— The SNP (@theSNP) January 17, 2022
How much energy does this represent?
Scotland’s largest existing offshore wind farm – Moray East in the Outer Moray Firth is Scotland’s largest source of renewable energy and has a capacity of 0.95 GW (950 megawatts). This is enough to power around 650,000 homes.
Taken together, these new offshore wind projects approved by ScotWind, could power more than 20 times that.
Groundbreaking announcement about future offshore wind in Scotland. 👇
This is a huge vote of confidence in the Scottish renewable energy market 🏴 and can be absolutely transformative when it comes to clean energy, green jobs and a just transition to zero emissions . https://t.co/VlwtFi3HLk
— Mairi McAllan (@MairiMcAllan) January 17, 2022
A major step in Scotland’s journey to net zero
Scotland has around 25% of all of Europe’s offshore wind potential and is fast becoming the center of renewable energy innovation – with the first floating wind farm settled in Scotland in 2017.
We have already made huge progress in decarbonising energy consumption in Scotland, with over 95% of Scotland’s gross electricity demand satisfied by renewable sources.
This announcement marks an important milestone on our journey to net zero, helping us achieve the goal of 50% of global energy consumption coming from renewables by 2030.
Scotland becomes the first country in the world to launch a commercial-scale opportunity for floating offshore wind – worth £700m to the Scottish Government and billions more to the supply chain . Almost 100% of Scottish electricity already comes from renewable sources. #ScotWind #NetZero https://t.co/U1J3IRMtGa
—Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) January 17, 2022
Transformational investing for the Scottish economy
In addition to the huge environmental benefits, the ScotWind auction generates around £700 million which is delivered directly to the Scottish Government.
In addition, these projects will generate billions of pounds value supply chain investment in scotland – £1 billion of investment for every 1 GW of capacity.
It puts Scotland at the forefront of global offshore wind development and will help position Scotland as a major exporter of renewable energy.
♻️17 protected have been offered rights to parts of Scotland’s seabed to develop offshore wind energy.
It is hoped that they will secure £1bn of supply chain investment for every 1GW of capacity on offer.@NicolaSturgeon says it’s one of the most exciting announcements of his time as an FM. pic.twitter.com/sD5mH7ph6Q
—Alan Zycinski (@AlanJZycinski) January 17, 2022
Thousands of quality green jobs
Offshore wind project developers have pledged to invest in the Scottish supply chain – which means opportunities for good green jobs in Scotland for decades to come.
It also means that people currently working in the oil and gas sector in the North East of Scotland can be confident about the opportunities for their future. We are committed to ensuring a just transition in Scotland don’t leave anyone behind on our journey to net zero.
The wide spread of projects across Scotland, off the East, North East, North and West coasts, promises economic benefits for communities Across the country.
ScotWind results were announced by @CrownEstateScot@ScotGovFM hailed the “truly historic” opportunity for the Scottish economy.
Billions will be invested in green jobs as part of our transition to net zero.
Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/rERdXvp2LH pic.twitter.com/t6Q1uyD3jZ
— Net Zero Scotland (@ScotGovNetZero) January 17, 2022