Scotland has launched a public consultation on plans to increase its offshore wind ambition to 40 GW of new capacity by 2040—enough to power around 45 million homes a year.

The current target ranges between 8 and 11 GW by 2030. According to government information, this proposed increase aims to provide certainty for investors while aligning with the Scottish Government’s long-term net zero emissions goals.

In addition to supporting national climate targets, the proposed increase reflects strong private sector interest in the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds.

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin, announced the opening of the consultation at the Global Offshore Wind Forum in London. She stated: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, generating jobs and attracting major investment across the country. As a result, we need to update our offshore wind ambition to firmly reflect and reinforce our commitment to the economic growth and investment this sector brings.”