The production ofrenewable energy inScotland is a topic that came to the fore in technical, economic, and political terms during the opening years of the 21st century.^[2] The natural resource base for renewable energy is high byEuropean, and even global standards, with the most important potential sources beingwind,wave, andtide. Renewables generate almost all ofScotland's electricity, mostly fromthe country's wind power.^[3]

In 2020, Scotland had 12gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity capacity, which produced about a quarter of totalUK renewable generation.^[4] In decreasing order of capacity, Scotland's renewable generation comes from onshore wind,hydropower,offshore wind,solar PV andbiomass.^[5]Scotland exports much of this electricity.^[6][7] On 26 January 2024, the Scottish Government confirmed that Scotland generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland's electricity consumption from renewable energy sources, making it the highest percentage figure ever recorded for renewable energy production in Scotland. It was hailed as "a significant milestone in Scotland's journey to net zero" by theCabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy,Neil Gray. It becomes the first time that Scotland produced more renewable energy than it actually consumed, and demonstrates the "enormous potential of Scotland's green economy" as claimed by Gray.^[8]

Continuing improvements inengineering andeconomics are enabling more of therenewable resources to be used. Fears regardingfuel poverty^[9] andclimate change have driven the subject high up the political agenda. In 2020 a quarter of total energy consumption, including heat and transportation, was met from renewables, and the Scottish government target is half by 2030.^[10] Although the finances of some projects remain speculative or dependent on market incentives, there has been a significant—and, in all likelihood, long-term—change in the underpinning economics.^[11][12]

In addition to planned increases in large-scale generating capacity using renewable sources, various related schemes to reducecarbon emissions are being researched.^[13] Although there is significant support from the public, private and community-led sectors, concerns about the effect of the technologies on the natural environment have been expressed. There is also a political debate about the relationship between the siting, and the ownership and control of these widely distributed resources.^[14][15]

All eleven turbines of theEuropean Offshore Wind Deployment Centre off the coast ofAberdeen.Wind,wave, andtide make up more than 80% ofScotland's renewable energy potential.

In 2005 the aim was for 18% of Scotland's electricity production to be generated by renewable sources by 2010, rising to 40% by 2020.^[31] In 2007 this was increased to 50% of electricity from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31% by 2011.^[32][33] The following year new targets to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 were announced and then confirmed in the 2009 Climate Change Delivery Plan. Maf Smith, director of theSustainable Development Commission in Scotland said "Governments across the world are shying away from taking the necessary action. The Scottish Government must be commended for its intention to lead the way".^[34][35]

Scotland aims to produce 50% of all energy (not just electricity) from renewable sources by 2030.^[36]

An ambitious target has been set with a 7 year plan to build an extra 8GW of offshore wind power by 2030.^[37]

It remains a policy of the Scottish Government to reduce emissions to net zero by 2045.^[13]

Electricity production is only part of the overall energy use budget. In 2002, Scotland consumed a total of 175terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy in all forms, some 2% less than in 1990. Of this, only 20% was consumed in the form of electricity by end users, the great majority of energy utilised is from the burning of oil (41%) and gas (36%).^[38][23] Nonetheless, the renewable electricity generating capacity may be 60 GW or more, greater than required to provide the existing energy provided from all Scottish fuel sources of 157 TWh.^[16][21][39]

2002 figures used as a baseline inRSPB Scotlandet al. (2006) for electricity production are: gas (34%), oil (28%), coal (18%) andnuclear (17%), with renewables 3% (principally hydro-electric), prior to the substantial growth in wind power output.^[21] In January 2006 the total installed electrical generating capacity from all forms of renewable energy was less than 2 GW, about a fifth of the totalelectrical production.^[16] Scotland also has significant quantities offossil fuel deposits, including substantialproven reserves of oil and gas^[40] and 69% of UK coal reserves.^[17] Nonetheless, theScottish Government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production.

Most electricity in Scotland is carried through theNational Grid, with Scotland's renewable mix thus contributing to the electricity production of Great Britain as a whole.^[41] By 2012, over 40% of Scotland's electricity came from renewable energy, and Scotland contributed almost 40% of the UK's renewables output. At the end of that year there was 5,801 megawatts (MW) of installed renewables electricity capacity, an increase of 20.95% (1,005 MW) on the end of 2011. Renewable electricity generation in 2012 was a record high at 14,756 GWh – an increase of 7.3% on 2011, the previous record year for renewables output.^[42] In 2015, Scotland generated 59% of its electricity consumption through renewable sources, exceeding the country's goal of 50% renewable electricity by that year.^[43]

In 2018, Scotland exported over 28% of electricity generation to the rest of the UK.^[6] By 2019 renewable electricity generation was 30,528 GWh, over 90% of Scotland's gross electricity consumption (33,914 GWh) and 21% of overall energy use was produced from renewable sources, against Scottish Government targets of 100% by 2020 and 50% by 2030 respectively.^[7][44] At the start of 2020, Scotland had 11.8 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable electricity capacity which produced approximately 25% of total UK renewable generation (119,335 GWh).^[4]

The renewable energy industry supports more than 11,500 jobs in Scotland, according to a 2013 study byScottish Renewables.^[45] With 13.9 GW of renewable energy projects in the pipeline,^[46] the sector has the potential to grow quickly in the years ahead creating more jobs in the region. Glasgow, Fife and Edinburgh are key centres ofoffshore wind power development, and the emerging wave power and tidal power industries are centred around the Highlands and Islands. Rural job creation is being supported bybioenergy systems in areas such asLochaber,Moray andDumfries and Galloway.^[47] Although the finances of some projects remain speculative or dependent on market incentives there has been a significant and in all likelihood long-term change, in the underpinning economics.^[11][12]

An important reason for this ambition is growing international concern about human-inducedclimate change. TheRoyal Commission on Environmental Pollution's proposal thatcarbon dioxide emissions should be reduced by 60% was incorporated into the UK government's 2003 EnergyWhite Paper.^[21] The 2006Stern Review proposed a 55% reduction by 2030.^[48] RecentIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports have further increased the profile of the issue.^[49][50][51]

As of 2007^[update], Scotland has 85% of the UK'shydroelectricity resource,^[52] much of it developed by theNorth of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in the 1950s. The "Hydro Board", which brought "power from the glens",^[53] was then a nationalised industry, it wasprivatised in 1989 and is now part ofScottish and Southern Energy plc.^[54]

As of 2021^[update], installed capacity is 1.67 GW,^[55] this is 88% of total UK capacity and includes major developments such as the 120 MWBreadalbane Scheme^[56] and the 245 MWTummel system.^[57] Several of Scotland's hydro-electric plants were built to power thealuminium smelting industry.^[54] These were built in several "schemes" of linked stations, each covering acatchment area, whereby the same water may generate power several times as it descends. Numerous remotestraths were flooded by these schemes, many of the largest of which involved tunnelling through mountains as well as damming rivers.^[58] Emma Wood, the author of a study of these pioneers, described the men who risked their lives in these ventures as "tunnel tigers".^[59][60]

As of 2010^[update], it is estimated that as much as another 1.2 GW of capacity remains available to exploit, mostly in the form of micro and small-hydro developments^[61] such as those inKnoydart andKingussie.^[62][63] The 100 MWGlendoe Project, which opened in 2009,^[64] was the first large-scale dam for almost fifty years.^[65]

In April 2010 permission was granted for four new hydro schemes totalling 6.7 MW capacity in theLoch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.^[66][67]

There is also further potential for newpumped storage schemes that would work withintermittent sources of power such as wind and wave. Operational examples include the 440 MWCruachan Dam and 300 MWFoyers schemes,^[68] while exploratory work for the 1.5 GWCoire Glas scheme commenced in early 2023.^[69] These schemes have the primary purpose of balancing peak demands on the electricity grid.^[d]

Wind power is the country's fastest growingrenewable energy technology, with 8,423 MW of installed capacity as of 2018.^[71] On 7 August 2016, a combination of high wind and low consumption caused more wind power generation (106%) than consumption. Scottish wind turbines provided 39,545 MWh during the 24 hours of that date, while consumption was 37,202 MWh. It was the first time that measurements were available to confirm that fact.^[72][73][74] Electricity generated by wind in November 2018 was enough to power nearly 6 million homes and wind production outstripped total electricity demand on twenty days during that month. This latter outcome was described by environmental groupWWF Scotland as "truly momentous".^[75]

The target for 2030, made in 2023, was for 11GW of offshore wind by 2030. This would represent an increase of 400% in offshore wind and a 60% increase in total wind generated power.^[37]

The 54-turbineBlack Law Wind Farm has a total capacity of 124 MW.^[76] It is located nearForth inSouth Lanarkshire and was built on an oldopencast coalmine site, with an original capacity of 97 MW from 42 turbines. It employs seven permanent staff on site and created 200 jobs during construction. A second phase saw the installation of a further 12 turbines. The project has received wide recognition for its contribution to environmental objectives.^[77] The United Kingdom's largest onshorewind farm (539 MW) is atWhitelee inEast Renfrewshire.^[78]

There are many other onshorewind farms, including some—such as that on theIsle of Gigha—which are incommunity ownership. The Heritage Trust set up Gigha Renewable Energy to buy and operate threeVestas V27 wind turbines.^[79] They were commissioned on 21 January 2005 and are capable of generating up to 675 kW of power and profits are reinvested in the community.^[80] The island ofEigg in theInner Hebrides is not connected to theNational Grid, and has anintegrated renewable power supply with wind, hydro and solar and battery storage, and a rarely used diesel backup.^[81]

The siting of turbines is sometimes an issue, but surveys have generally shown high levels of community acceptance for wind power.^{[82][83][84][85]} Wind farm developers are encouraged to offer "community benefit funds" to help address any disadvantages faced by those living adjacent to wind farms.^[15][86] Nonetheless, Dumfries and Galloway's local development plan guidance concludes that "some areas are considered to have reached capacity for development, due to the significant cumulative effects already evident".^[87]

TheRobin Rigg Wind Farm is a 180 MW development completed in April 2010, which is Scotland's firstoffshore wind farm, sited on a sandbank in theSolway Firth.^[88][89] Eleven of the world's most powerfulwind turbines (Vestas V164 – 8.4 MW each) are located in theEuropean Offshore Wind Deployment Centre off the east coast ofAberdeenshire.^[90]

Robin Rigg Wind Farm

It is estimated that 11.5 GW of onshore wind potential exists, enough to provide 45 TWh of energy. More than double this amount exists on offshore sites^[21] where mean wind speeds are greater than on land.^[91] The total offshore potential is estimated at 25 GW, which although more expensive to install, could be enough to provide almost half the total energy used.^[21] Plans to harness up to 4.8 GW of the potential in the innerMoray Firth andFirth of Forth were announced in January 2010. Moray Offshore Renewables and SeaGreen Wind Energy were awarded development contracts by theCrown Estate as part of a UK-wide initiative.^[92][93] Also in 2010, discussions were held between the Scottish Government andStatoil of Norway with a view to developing a 5-turbine floating windfarm, possibly to be located offFraserburgh.^[94] In July 2016, RSPB challenged development in the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay.^[95][96]

Moray East Offshore Wind Farm was granted consent for a 1,116 MW development in 2014 by the Scottish Government. The 103rd and final jacket for the project was installed in December 2020.^[97][98][99] TheHywind Scotland array off the coast ofPeterhead is the world's first floating wind farm. It consists of five 6 MW turbines which have a rotor diameter of 154m and is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of larger systems of this type.^[100]

Various systems have been developed since the 1970s, aimed at harnessing the enormous potential available forwave power off Scotland's coasts.^[101] Early development of wave power was led byStephen Salter at theUniversity of Edinburgh, on the Edinburgh orSalter's duck, although this was never commercialised.

One of the first grid-connected wave power stations was theIslay LIMPET (Land Installed Marine Power Energy Transformer) energy converter. It was installed on the island ofIslay byWavegen Ltd, and opened in 2001 as the world's first commercial-scale wave-energy device. However, in March 2013, the new ownersVoith Hydro decided to close down Wavegen choosing to concentrate on tidal power projects.^[102] TheSiadar Wave Energy Project was announced in 2009. This 4 MW system was planned bynpower Renewables andWavegen for a site 400 metres off the shore of Siadar Bay, inLewis.^[103] However, in July 2011 holding companyRWE announced it was withdrawing from the scheme, and Wavegen was seeking new partners.^[104]

Edinburgh based Ocean Power Delivery, laterPelamis Wave Power, developed thePelamis Wave Energy Converter between 1998 and 2014. Both the P1 and P2 devices were tested at theEuropean Marine Energy Centre in Orkney,^[105] and three P1 machines were installed in Portugal at theAguçadoura Wave Farm in late 2008.^[106] In 2009, the Swedish power firmVattenfall started development of theAegir Wave Farm off the west coast ofShetland which would use Pelamis devices, however the project was cancelled after Pelamis went into administration.^[107]

Following the demise of Pelamis andAquamarine Power,Wave Energy Scotland was set up in 2014 to facilitate the development of wave energy. It was set up by the Scottish Government as a subsidiary ofHighlands and Islands Enterprise.^[108] However, although Scotland has "more wave and tidal devices deployed in our waters than anywhere else in the world" commercial production from wave energy has been slow to develop.^[109] Between 2015 and 2022, the Wave Energy Scotland programmes helped fund the development and demonstration of parrt-scale devices byMocean Energy andAWS Ocean Energy, which were then tested at EMEC.^[110] The Mocean device was redeployed within theirRenewables for Subsea Power project, providing power for over a year to autonomous monitoring for oil and gas projects.^[111]

Unlike wind and wave,tidal power is an inherently predictable source,^[112] and there are many sites around Scotland where it could be harvested to generate power. ThePentland Firth between Orkney and mainland Scotland has been described as the "Saudi Arabia of tidal power"^[113] and may be capable of generating up to 10 GW,^[22] although a more recent estimate suggests an upper limit of 1.9 GW.^[114] In March 2010 a total of ten sites in the area, capable of providing an installed capacity of 1.2 GW of tidal and wave generation were leased out by the Crown Estate.^[115] Several other tidal sites with considerable potential exist in the Orkney archipelago.^[116] Tidal races on the west coast at Kylerhea betweenSkye andLochalsh, the Grey Dog north ofScarba, the Dorus Mòr offCrinan and theGulf of Corryvreckan also offer significant prospects.^[22]

The "world's first community-owned tidal power generator" became operational inBluemull Sound off Yell, Shetland, in early 2014. This 30 kWNova Innovation device fed into the local grid,^[117][118] and was replaced by a 100 kW tidal turbine connected in August 2016.^[119] The array was expanded to six turbines in January 2023,^[120] although the three oldest turbines were removed a few months later.^[121]

At the opposite end of the country a 2010 consultants' report into the possibility of a scheme involving the construction of a Solway Barrage, possibly south ofAnnan, concluded that the plans "would be expensive and environmentally sensitive."^[122] In 2013 an alternative scheme using the VerdErg Renewable Energy spectral marine energy converter was proposed for a plan involving the use of a bridge along the route of an abandoned railway line between Annan andBowness-on-Solway.^[123]

In October 2010MeyGen, a consortium ofMorgan Stanley, Atlantis Resources Corporation andInternational Power, received a 25-year operational lease from the Crown Estate for a 400 MWtidal power project in thePentland Firth.^[124] In September 2013 the Scottish Government granted permission to Meygen for the commencement of the "largest tidal energy project in Europe" and the developer announced the installation of a 9 MW demonstration project of up to six turbines, expanding to an 86 MW array tidal array.^[125] Commercial production commenced in November 2016, with the four turbines of Phase 1 installed by February 2017.^[126] Current ownersSIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) intend to develop the MeyGen site up to its current grid capacity of 252 MW.^[127][128] In 2022 and 2023 SAE was awarded Contracts for Difference to supply 28 MW and 22 MW of electricity, which will fund the next stage of the project's development.^[129]

Scottish tidal developersNova Innovation andOrbital Marine Power were each awarded €20m ofHorizon Europe funding in 2023 towards developing tidal arrays in Scotland. Nova plan to install 16 turbines totalling 4 MW in Orkney, while Orbital plan four O2 turbines with a total capacity of 9.6 MW.^[130]

Various small-scalebiofuel experiments have been undertaken. For example, in 2021British Airways flew a 35%aviation biofuel demonstration flight from London to Glasgow.^[131] Some say thatsustainable aviation fuel (not necessarily biofuel) for the UK should be produced in Scotland due to the high share of renewable energy.^[132] Due to the relatively short growing season forsugar producing crops,ethanol is not commercially produced as a fuel.^[133]

Biogas, orlandfill gas, is a biofuel produced through the intermediary stage ofanaerobic digestion consisting mainly of 45–90% biologically producedmethane and carbon dioxide. In 2007 a thermophilic anaerobic digestion facility was commissioned inStornoway in theWestern Isles. TheScottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has established adigestate standard to facilitate the use of solid outputs from digesters on land.^[134]

It has been recognised that biogas (mainly methane) – produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic matter – is potentially a valuable and prolific feedstock. As of 2006^[update], it is estimated that 0.4 GW of generating capacity might be available from agricultural waste.^[21] Landfill sites have the potential for a further 0.07 GW^[21] with sites such as theAvondale Landfill in Falkirk already utilising their potential.^[135]

A 2007 report concluded that wood fuel exceeded hydro-electric and wind as the largest potential source of renewable energy. Scotland's forests, which made up 60% of the UK resource base,^[136] were forecast to be able to provide up to 1 million tonnes of wood fuel per annum.^[137] The biomass energy supply was forecast to reach 450 MW or higher, (predominantly from wood), with power stations requiring 4,500–5,000 oven-dry tonnes per annum per megawatt of generating capacity.^[136] However a 2011Forestry Commission and Scottish government follow-up report concluded that: "...there is no capacity to support further large scale electricity generation biomass plants from the domestic wood fibre resource."^[138] A plan to build in Edinburgh a 200 MW biomass plant which would have imported 83% of its wood,^[139] was withdrawn by Forth Energy in 2012^[140] but the energy company E.ON has constructed a 44 MW biomass power station atLockerbie using locally sourced crops.^[141] A 2007 article by Renew Scotland claimed that automatic wood pellet boilers could be as convenient to use as conventional central heating systems. These boilers might be cheaper to run and, by using locally produced wood fuel, could try to be as carbon neutral as possible by using little energy for transportation.^[137]

There is also local potential forenergy crops such as short-rotation willow or poplarcoppice,miscanthus energy grass, agricultural wastes such as straw and manure, and forestry residues.^[137][142] These crops could provide 0.8 GW of generating capacity.^[21]

There is a successfulwaste-to-energyincineration plant atLerwick in Shetland which burns 22,000 tonnes (24,250 tons) of waste every year and provides district heating to more than 600 customers.^[143] Although such plants generate carbon emissions through the combustion of the biological material andplastic wastes (which derive from fossil fuels), they also reduce the damage done to the atmosphere from the creation ofmethane in landfill sites. This is a much more damaging greenhouse gas than the carbon dioxide the burning process produces, although other systems which do not involve district heating may have a similar carbon footprint to straightforward landfill degradation.^[144]

Source: Apricus[145]

Solar radiation has strong seasonality in Scotland as a result of its latitude. In 2015,solar PV contributed 0.2% to Scotland's final energy consumption. In a 100% renewable scenario for 2050, it is estimated that solar PV would provide 7% of electricity.^[146] The UK's practicable resource is estimated at 7.2 TWh per year.^[23]

Despite Scotland's relatively low level of sunshine hours,^[147]solar thermal panels can work effectively as they are capable of producing hot water even in cloudy weather.^[148][149] The technology was developed in the 1970s and is well-established with various installers in place; for example, AES Solar based inForres provided the panels for theScottish Parliament building.^[150]

In 2022 solar power capacity in Scotland had reached 420MW.^[151] Government grants became available to low income households for solar power installations from 2022.^[152]

Geothermal energy is obtained from thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. The most common form of geothermal energy systems in Scotland provide heating through aground sourceheat pump. These devices transfer energy from the thermal reservoir of the earth to the surface via shallow pipe works, utilising a heat exchanger. Ground source heat pumps generally achieve aCoefficient of performance of between 3–4,^[153] meaning for each unit of energy in, 3–4 units of useful heat energy is outputted. The carbon intensity of this energy is dependent on the carbon intensity of the electricity powering the pump.

Installation costs can vary from £7,000 to £10,000, and grants may be available from the CARES initiative operated byLocal Energy Scotland.^[154] Up to 7.6 TWh of energy is available on an annual basis from this source.^[27]

Mine-water geothermal systems are also being explored, utilising the consistent ambient temperature of the earth to raise the temperature of water for heating by circulating it through unused mine tubes. The water will generally require further heating in order to reach a usable temperature. An example is the Glenalmond Street project inShettleston, which uses a combination of solar and geothermal energy to heat 16 houses. Water in a coal mine 100 metres (328 ft) below ground level is heated by geothermal energy and maintained at a temperature of about 12°C (54°F) throughout the year. The warmed water is raised and passed through a heat pump, boosting the temperature to 55 °C (131 °F), and is then distributed to the houses providing heating to radiators.^[155]

There is also potential for geothermal energy production from decommissioned oil and gas fields.^[156]

It is clear that if carbon emissions are to be reduced, a combination of increased production from renewables and decreased consumption of energy in general and fossil fuels in particular will be required.^[157] The Energy Technology Partnership provides a bridge between academic research in the energy sector and industry and aims to translate research into economic impact.^[158] Although also low-carbon,Torness – the only nuclear power station – is due to be closed in 2028 and no newnuclear power in Scotland built due to Scottish government opposition.^[159]

Demand patterns are changing with the emergence ofelectric vehicles and the need to decarbonise heat.^[160] TheScottish Government has investigated various scenarios for energy supply in 2050 and in one called "An Electric Future", "electrical energy storage is widely integrated across the whole system" and "the EV fleet operates as a vast distributed energy store, capable of supporting local and national energy balancing" and "better insulated buildings mean that domestic energy demand has fallen significantly."^[161]

In 2007 Scottish and Southern Energy plc in conjunction with theUniversity of Strathclyde began the implementation of a "Regional Power Zone" in the Orkney archipelago. This ground-breaking scheme (that may be the first of its kind in the world) involves "active network management" that will make better use of the existing infrastructure and allow a further 15 MW of new 'non-firm generation' output from renewables onto the network.^[162][163] In 2013, Orkney generated 103% of its total electricity needs from renewable sources.^[164] This figure rose to 128% in 2020, and Orkney has been hailed as an example to follow in the green energy market.^[165][164]

In January 2009 the government announced the launch of a "Marine Spatial Plan" to map the potential of the Pentland Firth and Orkney coasts and agreed to take part in a working group examining options for an offshore grid to connect renewable energy projects in the North Sea to on-shore national grids.^[166] The potential for such a scheme has been described as including acting as a "30 GW battery for Europe's clean energy".^[167] The initiative has been awarded a Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning in 2016.^[168]

In August 2013 Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution connected a 2 MWlithium-ion battery atKirkwall Power Station. This was the UK's first large-scale battery connected to a local electricity distribution network.^[169] There are other demand management initiatives being developed. For example, Sunamp, a company based inEast Lothian, secured a £4.5 million investment in 2020 to develop its heat storage, which store energy that can then be used to heat water.^[170] A 50MW/100MWhbattery is being built atWishaw near Glasgow,^[171] and a 50 MW battery started in 2023.^[172]

Much greater linkage to sell more electricity to England has been proposed, but this may not be viable if nodalelectricity pricing is implemented in Britain.^[173] Norway has so far refused aScotland-Norway interconnector.

Also known ascarbon capture and storage, this technology involves the storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that is a by-product of industrial processes through its injection into oil fields. It is not a form of renewable energy production, but it may be a way to significantly reduce the effect of fossil fuels whilst renewables are commercialised. The technology has been successfully pioneered inNorway.^[174] No commercial-scale projects exist in Scotland as yet although in 2020 the UK government allocated 800 millionpounds to attempt to createcarbon sequestration clusters by 2030 aimed at capturing carbon dioxide emissions from heavy industry.^[175]

Althoughhydrogen offers significant potential as an alternative to hydrocarbons as a carrier of energy, neither hydrogen itself nor the associatedfuel cell technologies are sources of energy in themselves. Nevertheless, the combination of renewable technologies and hydrogen is of considerable interest to those seekingalternatives to fossil fuels.^[176] There are a number of Scottish projects involved in this research, supported by the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA).^[177]

The PURE project onUnst inShetland is a training and research centre that uses a combination of the ample supplies of wind power and fuel cells to create awind hydrogen system. Two 15 kW turbines are attached to a 'Hypod' fuel cell, which in turn provides power for heating systems, the creation of stored liquid hydrogen and an innovative fuel-cell driven car. The project is community-owned and part of the Unst Partnership, the community'sdevelopment trust.^[178]

In July 2008 the SHFCA announced plans for a "hydrogen corridor" from Aberdeen to Peterhead. The proposal involves running hydrogen-powered buses along theA 90 and is supported byAberdeenshire Council and theRoyal Mail.^[179] The economics and practical application of hydrogen vehicles are being investigated by theUniversity of Glasgow, among others.^[180] In 2015 the city of Aberdeen became the site of the UK's firsthydrogen production and bus refuelling station^[181] and the council and announced the purchase of a further 10 hydrogen buses in 2020.^[182] The "Hydrogen Office" inMethil aims to demonstrate the benefits of improved energy efficiency and renewable and hydrogen energy systems.^[183]

A status report on hydrogen production in Shetland, published in September 2020, stated that Shetland Islands Council (SIC) had "joined a number of organisations and projects to drive forward plans to establish hydrogen as a future energy source for the isles and beyond". For example, it was a member of the Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA). The Orion project, to create an energy hub planned to use clean electricity in the development of "new technologies such as blue and green hydrogen generation".^[184]

Hydrogen production through electrolysis was well underway in early 2021 inOrkney where clean energy sources (wind, waves, tides) were producing excess electricity that could be used to create hydrogen which could be stored until needed.^[185] In November 2019, a spokesperson for the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) made this comment: "We're now looking towards the development of a hydrogen economy in Orkney".^[186] In late 2020, a plan was made to test the world's first hydrogen-fueled ferry here. One report suggested that, "if all goes well, hydrogen ferries could be sailing between Orkney's islands within six months".^[187][188] By that time, a plan was underway atKirkwall Airport to add a hydrogen combustion engine system to the heating system in order to reduce the significant emissions that were created with older technology that heated buildings and water. This was part of the plan formulated by the Scottish government for the Highlands and Islands "to become the world's first net zero aviation region by 2040".^[189]

In December 2020 the Scottish government released a hydrogen policy statement with plans for incorporatingblue andgreen hydrogen for use in heating, transportation and industry.^[190] The Scottish government also planned an investment of £100 million in the hydrogen sector "for the £180 million Emerging Energy Technologies Fund".^[191] Shetland Islands Council planned to obtain further specifics about the availability of funding. The government had already agreed that the production of "green" hydrogen from wind power near Sullom Voe Terminal was a valid plan. A December 2020 update stated that "the extensive terminal could also be used for direct refuelling of hydrogen-powered ships" and suggested that the fourth jetty at Sullom Voe "could be suitable for ammonia export".^[192]

A significant feature of Scotland's renewable potential is that the resources are largely distant from the main centres of population. This is by no means coincidental. The power of wind, wave and tide on the north and west coasts and for hydro in the mountains makes for dramatic scenery, but sometimes harsh living conditions.^[193]

This happenstance of geography and climate has created various tensions. There is clearly a significant difference between a renewable energy production facility of modest size providing an island community with all its energy needs, and an industrial-scale power station in the same location that is designed to export power to far distant urban locations. Thus, plans for one of the world's largest onshore windfarms on the HebrideanIsle of Lewis have generated considerable debate.^[194] A related issue is thehigh-voltage Beauly–Denny power line which brings electricity from renewable projects in the north and west to the cities of the south.^[14] The matter went to apublic inquiry and has been described by Ian Johnston ofThe Scotsman as a "battle that pitches environmentalists against conservationists and giant energy companies against aristocratic landowners andclan chiefs".^[195] In January 2010Jim Mather, the Energy Minister, announced that the project would be going ahead, notwithstanding the more than 18,000 objections received.^[196] 53 km of the 132kV line inside the park was taken down and not replaced.^[197] TheBeauly–Denny line was energized by Christmas 2015.^[198]

There is considerable support for community-scale energy projects.^[199] For example,Alex Salmond, the thenFirst Minister of Scotland, has stated that "we can think big by delivering small" and aspired to have a "million Scottish households with access to their own or community renewable generation within ten years".^[113] TheJohn Muir Trust has also stated that "the best renewable energy options around wild land are small-scale, sensitively sited and adjacent to the communities directly benefiting from them",^[200] although even community-owned schemes can prove controversial.^[201]

A related issue is the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom,^{[202][203][204]} a debate which highlights the contrast between the sparsely populated north of Scotland and the highly urbanised south and east of England. Although theecological footprints of Scotland and England are similar the relationship between this footprint and thebiocapacities of the respective countries are not. Scotland's biocapacity (a measure of the biologically productive area) is 4.52 global hectares (gha) per head, some 15% less than the current ecological effect.^[205] In other words, with a 15% reduction in consumption, the Scottish population could live within the productive capacity of the land to support them. However, the UK ecological footprint is more than three times the biocapacity, which is only 1.6 gha, amongst the lowest in Europe.^[206][207] Thus, to achieve the same end in the UK context, consumption would have to be reduced by about 66%.

Thedeveloped world's economy is very dependent on 'point-source' fossil fuels. Scotland, as a relatively sparsely populated country with significant renewable resources, is in a unique position to demonstrate how the transition to a low-carbon, widely distributed energy economy may be undertaken. A balance will need to be struck between supporting this transition and providing exports to the economies of densely populated regions in theCentral Belt and elsewhere, as they seek their own solutions. The tension between local and national needs in the Scottish context may therefore also play out on the wider UK and European stage.^[208]

Growing national concerns regardingpeak oil and climate change have driven the subject of renewable energy high up the political agenda. Various public bodies and public-private partnerships have been created to develop the potential. TheForum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland, (FREDS) is a partnership between industry, academia and government aimed at enabling Scotland to capitalise on its renewable energy resource. The Scottish Renewables Forum is an important intermediary organisation for the industry, hosting the annualGreen Energy Awards.Community Energy Scotland provides advice, funding and finance for renewable energy projects developed by community groups. Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) is a public-private partnership created to identify and promote renewable energy opportunities for businesses in the northeast.^[209] In 2009 AREG formed an alliance with North Scotland Industries Group to help promote the North of Scotland as an "international renewable energy hub".^[210]

The Forestry Commission is active in promoting biomass potential. The Climate Change Business Delivery Group aims to act as a way for businesses to share best practices and address the climate change challenge. Numerous universities are playing a role in supporting energy research under the Supergen programme, includingfuel cell research atSt Andrews, marine technologies atEdinburgh, distributed power systems atStrathclyde^[141] and biomass crops at theUHI Millennium Institute'sOrkney College.^[211]

In 2010 theScotcampus student Freshers' Festivals held in Edinburgh and Glasgow were powered entirely by renewable energy in a bid to raise awareness among young people.^[212]

In July 2009Friends of the Earth, theRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds,World Development Movement andWorld Wildlife Fund published a study called "The Power of Scotland Renewed." This study argued that the country could meet all its electricity needs by 2030 without the requirement for either nuclear or fossil fuel powered installations.^[213] In 2013, a YouGov energy survey concluded that:

New YouGov research for Scottish Renewables shows Scots are twice as likely to favour wind power over nuclear or shale gas. More than six in ten (62%) people in Scotland say they would support large-scale wind projects in their local area, more than double the number who said they would be generally for shale gas (24%) and almost twice as much as nuclear (32%). Hydro power is the most popular energy source for large-scale projects in Scotland, with an overwhelming majority (80%) being in favour.^[82]

The Scottish Government's energy plans have called for 100% of electricity consumption to be generated through renewable sources and that by 2030 half of total energy consumption (including heat and transportation) will be met from renewables.^[214]

Energy policy in Scotland is a "reserved" issue, i.e. responsibility for it lies with theUK government. Former First Minister of Scotland andSNP leaderNicola Sturgeon has accused them of having a "complete lack of vision and ambition over the energy technologies of the future" and compared this with her view that the Scottish Government is "already a world leader" in tackling the issue.^[215] During thereferendum on Scottish independence in 2014 Scotland's energy resources were a significant theme,^[216] and would likely be so again if there wasanother independence referendum.^[217] TheScottish Green Party are strongly supportive of "low carbon energy for all".^[218]

Scottish Labour (which is a section of the UKLabour Party) also supports what they call a "Green Industrial Revolution".^[219] TheScottish Conservatives' (who are a branch of the UKConservative Party) party policy is to aim to "ensure 50 per cent of Scotland's energy comes from renewables by 2030". They are also supportive of additional nuclear energy production,^[220] which the SNP government oppose.^[221] TheScottish Liberal Democrats have a "commitment to 100% of Scottish electricity to be from renewable sources."^[222]

The2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) was held inGlasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021 under the presidency of theUnited Kingdom.^[223]

• List of power stations in Scotland

Global

• Scottish Renewables Forum
• European Marine Energy Centre – EMEC
• PURE
• Scottish Renewables News

• Renewable energy in Scotland
• Electricity policy in Scotland
• Climate change in Scotland
• Sustainability in Scotland

• Pages using the EasyTimeline extension
• Webarchive template wayback links
• CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown
• Articles with short description
• Short description is different from Wikidata
• Featured articles
• Use British English from September 2013
• All Wikipedia articles written in British English
• Use dmy dates from April 2023
• Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2007
• All articles containing potentially dated statements
• Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2021
• Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2010
• Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2006