Scotland could be 100% renewable in 20 years

www.thecourier.co.uk
16/7/09

A NEW REPORT says Scotland could generate all the electricity the country needs from renewable sources within two decades. The Power of Scotland Renewed Report, based on research by independent energy analysts Garrad Hassan is further good news for Dundee, Angus and Fife, which all stand to gain economically from the increased need for electricity derived from renewable sources, particularly offshore wind farms.

The report, which was commissioned by four leading environmental charities and published yesterday, says that by 2030 renewable energy can provide between 60% and 143% of Scotland's projected electricity demand. It was immediately hailed by the Scottish Government, who said it vindicated their opposition to the UK government's desire to build more nuclear energy stations to meet future energy demands.

The report also states that by 2030 Scotland will no longer need to burn any fossil fuels to provide electricity if the country can fulfil its potential to find renewable energy sources, such as wind and wave power. The report comes just weeks after MSPs voted to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% over the next 11 years and as the UK government prepares to publish its own white paper on renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

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% by 2020, and at least 80% 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, said, "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% 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." Liz Murray, head of Scottish campaigns for the World Development Movement, said, "300,000 people are already dying every year due to climate change.

"The vast majority of these are in developing countries, which have contributed virtually nothing to the problem. Developing countries need to see rich countries not only committing to reduce emissions, but also bringing in policies now to ensure those emissions reductions happen." Aedan Smith, from RSPB Scotland, said, "Given the importance of addressing climate change, which is the largest threat to biodiversity and sustainable development, we welcome the findings of this report that demonstrates that the government's targets for emissions reductions and renewable energy can be met without environmental harm.

"It is extremely welcome that the Scottish Government is committed to such protection of the natural environment—and this report clearly shows that they do not need to compromise this objective to meet their other climate change targets." A Scottish Government spokeswoman added, "This report vindicates the Scottish Government's position to substantially invest in green, renewable energy sources and ambition to become Europe's green energy powerhouse. It concludes that a considerable amount of our future electricity needs can be met by renewable sources.

"Scotland has a quarter of Europe's entire tidal power resource and wind energy potential—including massive offshore as well as onshore wind energy capabilities. "There are huge economic and employment opportunities for Scotland, and the Scottish Government has already announced plans to take advantage of these strengths that will result in the creation of thousands of green energy related jobs in Scotland." Send the Editor your comments on this or any other story.