Consultation process opens on Scotland’s updated offshore wind plan
June 12, 2025
The Scotland government’s Offshore Wind Directorate commissioned marine consultancy and survey specialist ABPmer to support its updated offshore wind energy plans.
The Scottish government has appointed ABPmer to support the revision of its Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy, which is now at consultation.
Scotland’s government has opened a consultation designed to support future offshore wind development projects.
The draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) takes into account local ecosystems, communities and other users of the sea in project areas.
The government’s Offshore Wind Directorate commissioned marine consultancy and survey specialist ABPmer (a wholly owned subsidiary of Associated British Ports Holdings Ltd.) to support the updated plan, following the company’s support for the 2020 SMP-OWE.
ABPMer’s work included provision of plan-level environmental and socio-economic assessments.
The draft document sets forth an integrated planning framework for both the ScotWind and INTOG (Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas) leasing rounds, with consideration of additional capacity for test and demonstration projects.
Proposals include:
Using the latest data and scientific evidence to support decisions on how, for example, planned projects might impact wildlife and nature in the development area;
Improved clarity on the environmental, social and economic opportunities and constraints associated with offshore projects ahead of decision-making; and
Taking into account the interests and views of fishing vessels, coastal and island communities, and environmental groups.
Feedback from the public consultation responses will be analyzed and incorporated into the updated SMP-OWE. The consultation period runs through Aug. 22, 2025.
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