Responses invited on draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy SMP-OWE) by August 22
The Scottish government is inviting people to share their views on its plans for how offshore wind projects are developed across the country. A consultation is now open on the the newly updated draft Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE).
Photo by Nicholas Doherty / Unsplash
The plan aims to balance the needs of nature, communities and other users of the seam and will be used to help inform the delivery of offshore wind projects in the ScotWind and Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) seabed leasing rounds. But is the balance right? Now is your chance to say so.
You can find the consultation paper and other related information on the Scottish government website. That page also lists details of engagement events where people can ask questions about the consultation and get support in responding. The events will be held at various locations across Scotland this month and next, with an online event on August 11.
Proposals in the updated draft plan include using the latest data and scientific evidence to inform decisions on energy developments, such as how projects will impact wildlife and nature. It also proposes setting out clearly the environmental, social and economic opportunities and constraints of offshore projects to help inform decision-making. What’s more, the plan proposes taking into account the interests and views of other marine users, such as fishers, coastal and island communities and environmental groups.
Gillian Martin MSP, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, says: ‘Growing Scotland’s offshore wind sector presents enormous economic opportunities for our country, with the chance to create thousands of well-paid, green jobs while accelerating our journey to net zero. Our updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy sets out the opportunities as well as the constraints to developing offshore wind in Scottish waters.
‘It seeks to provides clarity, certainty and confidence to investors and other marine users, to ensure development is sustainable and balances the needs of communities, nature and other users of the sea, to deliver for the people of Scotland and nature. It is important that everyone with an interest has their say and the Scottish Government will continue to engage closely with the fishing industry, island and coastal communities and other sectors throughout the consultation.’
Mike Spain, Director – Marine at Crown Estate Scotland, adds: ‘We welcome the publication of the draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan and encourage all those with an interest in Scotland’s offshore wind sector to engage with this consultation. We are proud to have conducted two successful offshore wind leasing rounds and are working in partnership with the sector to enable these projects to deliver maximum value for Scotland.’
In related news:
Mobile mast upgrade in rural sites including Lake District and Snowdonia
Leave a Reply