Scotland targets 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030

A new target to meet 50 per cent of all Scotland’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 – across electricity, heat and transport – is being consulted on by the Scottish government.

The goal was outlined in a draft energy strategy, which calls for “a modern, integrated energy system that delivers reliable, low carbon energy at affordable prices”.

The strategy laid out a vision for Scotland’s energy system by 2050 which centres around three key themes: a whole system view; a stable, managed energy transition; and new models for local energy provision.

The difficulties in accurately forecasting developments over the coming decades means there must be a “flexible approach” to decarbonisation which is “adaptable to changing market conditions”, the document said.

“This draft energy strategy does not, therefore, specify a single energy mix for 2050; but instead seeks to highlight the range of technologies and fuels that will supply our energy needs over the coming decades.”

Nevertheless, the document does set out five main priorities: continuing to support the recovery of North Sea oil and gas; supporting the demonstration and commercialisation of carbon capture and storage; exploring new energy sources; increasing renewable generation; and improving the flexibility, efficiency and the resilience of the energy system.

The document also called for views on wide range of topics, including:

• The future of onshore wind in Scotland including an ambition to host the UK’s subsidy free onshore project.
• Innovation in offshore wind such as floating foundations.
• Measures which can be taken to support a “full range” of renewable generation technologies.
• The importance of security of supply, grid investment and large-scale storage such as pumped hydro.
• The development and use of emerging energy sources and technologies, for example hydrogen.
• A renewed focus on energy efficiency.
• The deployment of smart local energy systems.
• The creation of a government-owned energy company and its potential remit.
• The potential of renewable energy bonds.

“The Scottish Government is determined to support a stable, managed transition to a low carbon economy in Scotland, recognising the very real need to decarbonise our heat supplies and transport system,” said Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse.

“In particular, the renewable energy sector… has the potential to grow even further, helping us meet our climate change targets through extending our success in decarbonising electricity supplies to secure a step-change in decarbonising energy for heat and transport.”

Four separate consultations were also published alongside the draft energy strategy. They covered: the onshore wind policy statement; Scotland’s energy efficiency programme; local heat and energy efficiency strategy and district heating; and unconventional oil and gas.

Scotland’s climate change plan, which accompanies the strategy, was published last week.