Scotland 'Could Be Global Renewables Leader'

Scotland could lead the field in renewables by 2030.

A new report shows the target could be achieved without the need for any gas, coal or nuclear power stations.

Based on technical analysis of the Scottish Government's current policy the Pathways to Power report recommends renewables are prioritised. 

WWF Scotland’s Climate and Energy Policy Officer, Gina Hanrahan, said:

“It’s great to see the vision for a secure, renewables-based future for Scotland independently tested and proven. It’s clear that Scotland doesn’t have to generate electricity from coal, gas or nuclear to ensure security of supply.

“We’d still like to see CCS tested at Peterhead, but given how slowly this technology is progressing, it makes sense to explore alternative paths to achieving the Government’s own target.

"The report shows that not only is a renewable, fossil-fuel free electricity system perfectly feasible in Scotland by 2030, it’s actually the safe bet.

"Pursuing this pathway would allow Scotland to maintain and build on its position as the UK and Europe’s renewable powerhouse, cut climate emissions and continue to reap the jobs and investment opportunities offered by Scotland’s abundant renewable resources.

She added: “We’ve seen renewables go from strength to strength in recent years. They are now the biggest electricity generator in Scotland, outstripping nuclear, coal and gas. We need to see the phasing out of conventional generation in Scotland, clarity about the future market for renewables across the UK and more emphasis on demand reduction and storage in Scotland so the vision can be achieved.”

Lead author of the report for DNV GL, Paul Gardner, said:

“Our technical analysis shows that a system with an extremely high proportion of renewable electricity generation located in Scotland can be secure and stable.  There is no technical reason requiring conventional fossil and nuclear generation in Scotland. 

“Scotland has plenty of renewables in the pipeline to cut the carbon from its power supply by 2030, particularly if we see progress on reducing electricity demand. And crucially, Scotland can continue to be an electricity exporting nation.”