Scottish Government’s draft Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE) will inform offshore wind developments in Scotland, aiming to balance the needs of nature, communities and other users of the sea.

ABPmer was commissioned by Scottish Government’s Offshore Wind Directorate to support the development of the SMP-OWE, leading delivery of plan-level environmental and socio-economic assessments. ABPmer’s work follows their support of the 2020 SMP-OWE.

The SMP-OWE sets out an integrated planning framework for both the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds alongside consideration of additional capacity for test and demonstration (T&D) projects.

Proposals in the plan aim to:

• Use the latest data and scientific evidence to inform decisions on energy developments – such as how projects will impact wildlife and nature
• Ensure the environmental, social and economic opportunities and constraints from offshore projects are clearly set out to inform decision making
• Ensure the interests and views of other marine users, including fishers, coastal and island communities and environmental groups are taken into account

Following public consultation, transparent analysis of responses to understand the views of individuals and organisations will feed into the finalisation of the updated SMP-OWE.

A recognised thought leader and specialist in marine planning, with extensive experience of strategic and sectoral planning, we are regularly called to support national planning processes across the UK, Ireland and internationally, and undertake applied research studies to support implementation.

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