Offshore wind power statistic was ‘out of date’, admits minister

Figures citing Scotland’s capacity for offshore wind power were “out of date” despite being used by the first minister, a Scottish minister has admitted.

Several Scottish Government ministers, including Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney, had told MSPS in Holyrood that Scotland had 25% of Europe’s potential offshore wind resources.

The claim had come under scrutiny from opposition MSPS after research from think tank These Islands showed the figure to be incorrect.

Speaking at Holyrood’s Topical Questions, Lorna Slater, minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, said the Scottish Government only became aware of the inaccuracy last Tuesday, following prior sight of the think tank’s report.

The Scottish Green MSP said: “The figure relating to Scotland having 25% of Europe’s offshore wind potential was first set out back in a 2010 publication. It is now out of date.

“However, this does not change the fact that Scotland already has an important offshore wind sector.

“We have huge potential to grow this and become a global leader, with over 40 gigawatts of potential offshore wind developments already in the pipeline.”