Scotland's Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, has urged the UK government to reform the grid connections process and the Contracts for Difference (CfD) policy to ensure the successful development of offshore wind projects in Scotland. Speaking at the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind 2025 event in Glasgow, Forbes highlighted the grid connection system as a key barrier preventing the progress of Scottish offshore wind farms.
“Forbes said, “We need these projects to help us move beyond the current economic paradigm. Otherwise, there is a risk that we will be left behind.
Forbes emphasized the need for collaboration between the Scottish government, the UK government, the regulator Ofgem, and system operator NESO to address the challenges surrounding grid connections. She also called for sufficient budget allocations in the upcoming AR7 and future CfD auctions to support the development of both fixed-bottom and floating wind projects in Scotland.
She noted that offshore wind presents a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to drive economic growth and job creation in the country. “We are at the beginning but with every investment we are getting closer to that objective,” Forbes said. “The momentum has been building, and we cannot afford for there to be a pause. Instead we need more investment, bold steps and commitment from every corner.
Forbes reiterated the Scottish government's willingness to take bold steps to drive forward the offshore wind sector, emphasizing that the goal is not only to meet targets but to create long-term wealth and prosperity for Scotland's people.
