The SNP Government has hailed the prospect of a boom in offshore windfarm development that it expects UK householders to subsidise as experts have highlighted big failings in its emissions reduction efforts.

Energy minister Gillian Martin made the latest in a series of extravagant claims about Scotland’s renewables potential as she launched a consultation into its increased ambition for offshore wind last month.

The Government is seeking views on proposals which could see up to 40 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity added by 2040, which it reckons would be enough to power 45 million homes. The current ambition is between 8-11GW by 2030.

“We need to update our ambition for offshore wind to reflect and firmly underline our commitment to economic growth and investment offered by the sector,” said Ms Martin.

She added: “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.”

Her comments look like a fresh attempt by SNP ministers to claim credit for a development that reflects the influence of geography and other factors beyond its control.

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As much of Scotland is surrounded by windy waters it has been an obvious focus of investor interest in offshore wind developments.

The SNP Government’s role in promoting growth has been minimal.

It has control over planning but has faced criticism for delays in approval of the giant Berwick Bank development planned by SSE.

The Scottish Government has held two offshore wind licensing rounds since taking control of the acreage concerned from the UK Crown Estate in 2017.

It claims the ScotWind and INTOG rounds were big successes. However, successful applicants made clear that their interest reflected the availability of generous revenue support under schemes run by the UK Government such as the Contracts for Difference programme. The costs of this are added to the bills of households across the UK.

Ms Martin did not refer to the subsidies but colleagues have underlined their importance.

In a letter to then chancellor........

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