A NEW target has been set to massively increase the amount of wind energy produced off the coast of Scotland so it can provide electricity to power more than eight million homes.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said setting the aim to be met by 2030 is a “pivotal moment” for the country’s offshore wind sector.

Scotland currently produces one gigawatt (GW) of power from offshore wind farms – although consent has been granted for developments that should take this up to 5.6GW.

The new target would require 11GW of energy from the sector by the end of this decade.

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Speaking about the new target, Wheelhouse said: “This is a pivotal moment for the development of our offshore wind sector.

“Our seas are host to some of the best offshore wind resources in the world and our ambition to capitalise on our offshore wind generation capacity is part of the bold action we are taking to support economic recovery and become a net-zero society.

“The Scottish Government is determined to drive a green economic recovery with investment in renewable energy at the heart of it.

“We want to harness Scotland’s enviable wind resource for our energy system and unlock significant investment in the supply chain to create more green jobs across the sector.”

Head of policy at WWF Scotland, Fabrice Leveque, said: “Offshore wind is already powering hundreds of thousands of Scottish homes and this new plan will help grow an industry that’s vital to reach net-zero climate emissions by 2045.

“Each project creates hundreds of jobs and can help put Scotland on a path to a green recovery.”

He added: “In order to ensure local communities and businesses benefit, it’s imperative the UK and Scottish Governments work closely together to ensure as much work as possible goes to local supply chains.”