Scotland has potential to hit all its green energy targets by 2030

16 July 2009

Scotland has the potential to meet its climate change, renewable energy and energy saving targets which creating new economic opportunities, according to a new report.

The Power of Scotland Renewed report, based on research by independent energy analysts Garrad Hassan, and commissioned by Friends of the Earth Scotland, the World Development Movement, WWF Scotland and RSPB Scotland, finds that there is enormous potential to increase generation of electricity from renewable sources during the next two decades, so much so that by 2030 renewable energy can meet between 60 per cent and 143 per cent of Scotland’s projected annual electricity demand.

If Scotland hits its targets for energy saving, the report states that it is possible all fossil fuel fired generation could be closed by 2030.

Duncan McLaren, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said, ‘The threat from climate change grows daily but we still have time to take action to prevent climate chaos, as this report clearly shows. Scotland’s world-leading Climate Change legislation commits us to cutting overall greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020, and at least 80 per cent by 2050. This report shows how Scotland’s energy sector can make these targets a reality. It is vital that we grasp the new economic and job opportunities that would come with a sustainable energy future.’

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, added, ‘Scotland has the best renewable energy potential of any country in Europe and we should be aiming high. This new report provides us with a clear description of how to set ourselves on the path to 100 per cent renewable power. The message is clear, Scotland’s renewable potential has to be fully realised and that means harnessing the considerable wave and tidal power of our seas and continuing the expansion of both onshore and offshore wind.’

The report follows in the wake of UK government announcements urging the creation of a low-carbon industrial strategy.

Copyright © 2009 NewNet

Tags: energy efficiency, renewable energy

This story was published on Thursday, July 16th, 2009 at 9:38 am and is filed under Europe, energy efficiency, policy. You can follow any responses to article entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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