The Scottish Government has opened a public consultation on a revised Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE), which will guide future offshore wind developments around Scotland. The plan aims to balance renewable energy expansion with the needs of nature, coastal communities, and other marine users.
Marine consultancy ABPmer was commissioned by the Offshore Wind Directorate to lead environmental and socio-economic assessments for the draft plan. This follows its previous role supporting the 2020 version of the SMP-OWE.
The updated SMP-OWE provides an integrated planning framework for current ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds, as well as for additional capacity for test and demonstration projects. Key aims of the plan include:
- Using the latest scientific data to assess environmental impacts
- Clarifying the environmental, social, and economic opportunities and limitations of offshore wind projects
- Considering the views of other marine users, including fishers, coastal communities, and environmental organisations
Responses to the consultation will be used to inform the final version of the plan. The consultation is open on the Scottish Government website and will close on 22 August 2025.
