Seabed opened for first new wind farm projects in a decade
Scotland's seabed is being opened up for new wind farm projects for the first time in a decade.
Crown Estate Scotland, which manages the seabed, says it could lead to billions being invested as part of a green recovery.
It says ScotWind could deliver more than enough green electricity to power every Scottish household.
A Scottish government spokeswoman said the move would help create new green jobs.
The investment value from the leasing round has been put at about £8bn.
More than six million tonnes of CO2 saving could be made annually once the wind farms are operational.
John Robertson, Crown Estate Scotland's head of energy and infrastructure, said: "Today is a huge step forward in kick-starting Scotland's green recovery, meeting net zero targets and bringing multi-billion pound investments to benefit communities across the nation.
"Offshore wind is currently one of the cheapest forms of new electricity generation and Scotland is perfectly poised to host major new projects, with a well-established energy skills sector as well as some of the best natural marine resources in Europe."
The bidding process begins on Wednesday and is expected to be completed by March 2021.
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