Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Study urges Scotland to target 30GW of onshore wind by 2040
Scotland has about 10.7 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity, and a study urges a target of 30GW by 2040.
The analysis, commissioned by the Scottish Onshore Wind Developers Forum, says reaching that target could add £4.2 billion to Scotland’s economy.
It also estimates the expansion could support an average of 6,100 additional jobs from 2034 to 2040.
The study says capacity could reach 20GW around 2032, but warns that current plans set no clear ambition beyond 2030.
It says community benefit payments could reach £44 million a year by 2040, with business rates bringing in £88 million.
Scotland’s energy minister says onshore wind will remain important, while the Scottish Government is preparing a refreshed energy strategy; deployment after 2030 will depend on UK Government decisions.
A study says targeting 30 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity in Scotland by 2040 could generate £4.2 billion in gross value added for the country.
The target could support an average of 6,100 additional jobs between 2034 and 2040.
Scotland currently has about 10.7GW of onshore wind capacity, and capacity could reach 20GW around 2032.
The report says community benefit payments could reach about £44 million a year by 2040, with business rates income of £88 million.
The Scottish Onshore Wind Developers Forum says there is too little ambition for onshore wind after 2030.
- Who
- Biggar Economics prepared the analysis for the Scottish Onshore Wind Developers Forum.
- What
- The study urges a target of 30GW of onshore wind capacity in Scotland by 2040.
- When
- The target is for 2040. The article was published on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- Scotland.
- Why
- The report says the target could bring economic benefits, support jobs and help develop renewable energy.
Scottish Onshore Wind Developers Forum
UK Government Clean Power 2030 action plan
Post-2030 capacity
Scottish Onshore Wind Developers Forum
The forum says Scotland should target at least 30GW by 2040.
UK Government Clean Power 2030 action plan
The report says the UK plan assumes an effective cap on Scottish onshore wind at 21.2GW.
Scotland’s onshore wind capacity could reach 20GW.
A 30GW target could support an average of 6,100 additional jobs during this period.
The proposed target is for Scotland to reach at least 30GW of onshore wind capacity.
- Proposed capacity target
- 30GW by 2040
- Current capacity
- About 10.7GW
- Potential gross value added
- £4.2 billion
- Additional jobs
- Average of 6,100 between 2034 and 2040
- Community benefit payments
- About £44 million annually by 2040
- Business rates income
- £88 million by 2040
What people are saying
the current low ambition after 2030 risks preventing the deployment of one of the quickest and cheapest renewable technologies that can support the UK’s energy security
Capping this sector after 2030 would put thousands of jobs at risk.
Onshore wind is one of the cheapest and quickest to deploy sources of electricity and it will remain central to Scotland’s energy future well beyond 2030.