Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has reiterated her call for greater community ownership of Scotland’s renewable energy resources following the publication of a new report by Future Economy Scotland, “Rethinking ScotWind: Maximising Scotland’s Offshore Wind Potential.”
The report highlights serious shortcomings in the first ScotWind leasing round, including limited public revenues, weak supply chain incentives, and the absence of public equity stakes. It reveals that 78% of ScotWind capacity is owned overseas, with foreign governments set to benefit more than Scotland itself from the long-term profits generated by offshore wind.
Commenting on the findings, Ariane said: “Scotland’s offshore wind potential is one of our greatest national assets, but the current model risks exporting the wealth it generates rather than reinvesting it in our communities. We must ensure that future ScotWind deals put the Scottish people at the heart of our energy transition.”
Ariane has long advocated for community and public ownership of energy infrastructure as a way to deliver fairer outcomes, tackle fuel poverty, and empower local economies. She welcomed the report’s recommendations for reform, including public equity stakes and stronger conditions to support domestic supply chains and Fair Work.
“Future leasing rounds must be designed to maximise public benefit – not just private profit. That means removing price ceilings, securing public stakes in projects, and ensuring that communities have a real stake in the energy generated on their doorstep.”
Ariane is urging the Scottish Government to embed community ownership as a core principle in future ScotWind rounds, ensuring that Scotland’s renewable energy revolution delivers lasting social and economic benefits across the country.
