Demonstration projects using new-to market wind turbines sited in Scottish waters will receive 2.5 ROCs per megawatt hour of electricity generated. This is an increase of 0.5 on current offshore projects, including those planned for construction during the upcoming Round 3 phase of offshore build.
Projects using floating turbines, including tension line technology, will receive 3.5 ROCs.
"These new bands will help bring down the cost of developing offshore wind in our deeper waters," said Fergus Ewing, Scotland's energy minister.
Scotland has 4.7GW proposed for Round 3 offshore construction and has set an ambitious target of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2020, and 30% of all energy demand.
The new incentive is aimed at attracting manufacturers and developers of innovative offshore technology. Manufacturers Gamesa and Mitsubishi have already outlined plans to build offshore manufacturing facilities in Scotland.
Scotland currently has only one project operating in its waters, Robin Rigg, under 200MW.
This announcement comes on the same day as the UK government announced the creation of a new body to support the offshore wind industry.
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