The projects have a combined capacity of over 2GW and represent a combined economic benefit of between £314 million and £1.2 billion in Scotland over their lifetime, the government added.
But Scottish energy minister Fergus Ewing said in a statement that although the four projects will be eligible to compete for the UK government’s contracts for difference (CfD) funding scheme, only 800MW would succeed in the first round.
“The level of support available to the offshore renewables sector sits in stark contrast to the unprecedented financial backing being offered to new nuclear plants, with a possible £35 billion subsidy for the new Hinkley Point C station alone in addition to a £10 billion loan guarantee,” Ewing said in a statement.
“This inevitably means that growth in green energy will be restricted, a sector where Scotland has a competitive advantage,” he added.