[go: up one dir, main page]
Wikipedia

Renewable energy in Scotland

(Redirected from Scottish renewable energy)

The production of renewable energy in Scotland 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 by European, and even global standards, with the most important potential sources being wind, wave, and tide. Renewables generate almost all of Scotland's electricity, mostly from the country's wind power.[3]

Whitelee Wind Farm is operated by Scottish Power Renewables and is the largest on-shore wind farm in the United Kingdom with a total capacity of 539 megawatts (MW).[1]

In 2020, Scotland had 12 gigawatts (GW) of renewable electricity capacity, which produced about a quarter of total UK renewable generation.[4] In decreasing order of capacity, Scotland's renewable generation comes from onshore wind, hydropower, offshore wind, solar PV and biomass.[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 the Cabinet 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 in engineering and economics are enabling more of the renewable resources to be used. Fears regarding fuel poverty[9] and climate 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 reduce carbon 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]

Realisation of the potential

edit

Summary of Scotland's resource potential

edit
Technology Current capacity (GW)[a] Potential capacity (GW)[b] Potential energy (TWh)[c]
Onshore wind 8.991[5] 11.5[22] 45.0
Hydro 1.667[5] n.a. 5.52
Offshore wind 2.166[5] 25[22] 82.0
Biomass 0.272[5] 1.29[citation needed] 13.5[23]
Solar PV 0.505[5] 6[24] n.a.
Landfill Gas 0.116[5] n.a 0.6
Anaerobic Digestion 0.060[5] n.a n.a
Energy from Waste 0.070[5] 0.07[citation needed] 0.6
Wave and Tidal 0.022[5] 25[25] 79
Sewage Sludge Digestion 0.008[5] n.a n.a
Geothermal n.a. 1.5[citation needed] 7.6[23]
Solar thermal n.a. n.a. 5.8[23]
Total 13.877 GW[5] about 70 GW 236.6 TWh/year
 
All eleven turbines of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre off the coast of Aberdeen. Wind, wave, and tide make up more than 80% of Scotland's renewable energy potential.

Targets

edit

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.[26] In 2007 this was increased to 50% of electricity from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31% by 2011.[27][28] 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 the Sustainable 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".[29][30]

Scotland aims to produce 50% of all energy (not just electricity) from renewable sources by 2030.[31]

An ambitious target has been set with a 7 year plan to build an extra 8GW of offshore wind power by 2030.[32]

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

History

edit

Electricity production is only part of the overall energy use budget. In 2002, Scotland consumed a total of 175 terawatt-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%).[33][21] 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][18][34]

2002 figures used as a baseline in RSPB Scotland et al. (2006) for electricity production are: gas (34%), oil (28%), coal (18%) and nuclear (17%), with renewables 3% (principally hydro-electric), prior to the substantial growth in wind power output.[18] 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 total electrical production.[16] Scotland also has significant quantities of fossil fuel deposits, including substantial proven reserves of oil and gas[35] and 69% of UK coal reserves.[17] Nonetheless, the Scottish Government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy production.

Most electricity in Scotland is carried through the National Grid, with Scotland's renewable mix thus contributing to the electricity production of Great Britain as a whole.[36] 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.[37] In 2015, Scotland generated 59% of its electricity consumption through renewable sources, exceeding the country's goal of 50% renewable electricity by that year.[38]

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][39] 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]

Economic impact

edit

The renewable energy industry supports more than 11,500 jobs in Scotland, according to a 2013 study by Scottish Renewables.[40] With 13.9 GW of renewable energy projects in the pipeline,[41] 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 of offshore 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 by bioenergy systems in areas such as Lochaber, Moray and Dumfries and Galloway.[42] 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-induced climate change. The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's proposal that carbon dioxide emissions should be reduced by 60% was incorporated into the UK government's 2003 Energy White Paper.[18] The 2006 Stern Review proposed a 55% reduction by 2030.[43] Recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports have further increased the profile of the issue.[44][45][46]

Hydroelectricity

edit
Further information: Hydropower
 
A typical Highland hydro-electric dam at Loch Laggan

As of 2007, Scotland has 85% of the UK's hydroelectricity resource,[47] much of it developed by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in the 1950s. The "Hydro Board", which brought "power from the glens",[48] was then a nationalised industry, it was privatised in 1989 and is now part of Scottish and Southern Energy plc.[49]

As of 2021, installed capacity is 1.67 GW,[50] this is 88% of total UK capacity and includes major developments such as the 120 MW Breadalbane Scheme[51] and the 245 MW Tummel system.[52] Several of Scotland's hydro-electric plants were built to power the aluminium smelting industry.[49] These were built in several "schemes" of linked stations, each covering a catchment area, whereby the same water may generate power several times as it descends. Numerous remote straths were flooded by these schemes, many of the largest of which involved tunnelling through mountains as well as damming rivers.[53] Emma Wood, the author of a study of these pioneers, described the men who risked their lives in these ventures as "tunnel tigers".[54][55]

As of 2010, 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[56] such as those in Knoydart and Kingussie.[57] [58] In reality, environmental constraints and the fact that the most easily available catchment areas have already been exploited make it unlikely that the full 1.2 GW will be exploited.[59][failed verification] The 100 MW Glendoe Project, which opened in 2009,[60] was the first large-scale dam for almost fifty years.[61]

In April 2010 permission was granted for four new hydro schemes totalling 6.7 MW capacity in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.[62][63]

 
Turbine Hall at Ben Cruachan Hydroelectric scheme in 2024

There is also further potential for new pumped storage schemes that would work with intermittent sources of power such as wind and wave. Operational examples include the 440 MW Cruachan Dam and 300 MW Falls of Foyers schemes,[64] while exploratory work for the 1.5 GW Coire Glas scheme commenced in early 2023.[65] These schemes have the primary purpose of balancing peak demands on the electricity grid.[d]

Wind power

edit
 
Ardrossan Wind Farm
Main article: Wind power in Scotland

Wind power is the country's fastest growing renewable energy technology, with 8,423 MW of installed capacity as of 2018.[67] 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.[68][69][70] 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 group WWF Scotland as "truly momentous".[71]

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.[32]

Onshore

edit

The 54-turbine Black Law Wind Farm has a total capacity of 124 MW.[72] It is located near Forth in South Lanarkshire and was built on an old opencast 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.[73] The United Kingdom's largest onshore wind farm (539 MW) is at Whitelee in East Renfrewshire.[74]

There are many other onshore wind farms, including some—such as that on the Isle of Gigha—which are in community ownership. The Heritage Trust set up Gigha Renewable Energy to buy and operate three Vestas V27 wind turbines.[75] 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.[76] The island of Eigg in the Inner Hebrides is not connected to the National Grid, and has an integrated renewable power supply with wind, hydro and solar and battery storage, and a rarely used diesel backup.[77]

The siting of turbines is sometimes an issue, but surveys have generally shown high levels of community acceptance for wind power.[78][79][80][81] Wind farm developers are encouraged to offer "community benefit funds" to help address any disadvantages faced by those living adjacent to wind farms.[15][82] 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".[83]

Offshore

edit

The Robin Rigg Wind Farm is a 180 MW development completed in April 2010, which is Scotland's first offshore wind farm, sited on a sandbank in the Solway Firth.[84][85] Eleven of the world's most powerful wind turbines (Vestas V164 – 8.4 MW each) are located in the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre off the east coast of Aberdeenshire.[86]

 
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[18] where mean wind speeds are greater than on land.[87] 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.[18] Plans to harness up to 4.8 GW of the potential in the inner Moray Firth and Firth of Forth were announced in January 2010. Moray Offshore Renewables and SeaGreen Wind Energy were awarded development contracts by the Crown Estate as part of a UK-wide initiative.[88][89] Also in 2010, discussions were held between the Scottish Government and Statoil of Norway with a view to developing a 5-turbine floating windfarm, possibly to be located off Fraserburgh.[90] In July 2016, RSPB challenged development in the Firth of Forth and Firth of Tay.[91][92]

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.[93][94][95] The Hywind Scotland array off the coast of Peterhead 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.[96]

Wave power

edit
Further information: Wave power and List of wave power projects

Various systems have been developed since the 1970s, aimed at harnessing the enormous potential available for wave power off Scotland's coasts.[citation needed] Early development of wave power was led by Stephen Salter at the University of Edinburgh, on the Edinburgh or Salter's duck, although this was never commercialised.

 
Pelamis on site at EMEC, the marine test centre

One of the first grid-connected wave power stations was the Islay LIMPET (Land Installed Marine Power Energy Transformer) energy converter. It was installed on the island of Islay by Wavegen Ltd, and opened in 2001 as the world's first commercial-scale wave-energy device. However, in March 2013, the new owners Voith Hydro decided to close down Wavegen choosing to concentrate on tidal power projects.[97] The Siadar Wave Energy Project was announced in 2009. This 4 MW system was planned by npower Renewables and Wavegen for a site 400 metres off the shore of Siadar Bay, in Lewis.[98] However, in July 2011 holding company RWE announced it was withdrawing from the scheme, and Wavegen was seeking new partners.[99]

Edinburgh based Ocean Power Delivery, later Pelamis Wave Power, developed the Pelamis Wave Energy Converter between 1998 and 2014. Both the P1 and P2 devices were tested at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney,[100] and three P1 machines were installed in Portugal at the Aguçadoura Wave Farm in late 2008.[101] In 2009, the Swedish power firm Vattenfall started development of the Aegir Wave Farm off the west coast of Shetland which would use Pelamis devices, however the project was cancelled after Pelamis went into administration.[102]

Following the demise of Pelamis and Aquamarine 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 of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.[103] 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.[104] Between 2015 and 2022, the Wave Energy Scotland programmes helped fund the development and demonstration of parrt-scale devices by Mocean Energy and AWS Ocean Energy, which were then tested at EMEC.[105] The Mocean device was redeployed within their Renewables for Subsea Power project, providing power for over a year to autonomous monitoring for oil and gas projects.[106]

Tidal power

edit
 
European Marine Energy Centre Tidal power test site on Eday under construction in 2006
Further information: Tidal power and Development of tidal stream generators

Unlike wind and wave, tidal power is an inherently predictable source,[107] and there are many sites around Scotland where it could be harvested to generate power. The Pentland Firth between Orkney and mainland Scotland has been described as the "Saudi Arabia of tidal power"[108] and may be capable of generating up to 10 GW,[20] although a more recent estimate suggests an upper limit of 1.9 GW.[109] 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.[110] Several other tidal sites with considerable potential exist in the Orkney archipelago.[111] Tidal races on the west coast at Kylerhea between Skye and Lochalsh, the Grey Dog north of Scarba, the Dorus Mòr off Crinan and the Gulf of Corryvreckan also offer significant prospects.[20]

The "world's first community-owned tidal power generator" became operational in Bluemull Sound off Yell, Shetland, in early 2014. This 30 kW Nova Innovation device fed into the local grid,[112][113] and was replaced by a 100 kW tidal turbine connected in August 2016.[114] The array was expanded to six turbines in January 2023,[115] although the three oldest turbines were removed a few months later.[116]

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 of Annan, concluded that the plans "would be expensive and environmentally sensitive."[117] 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 and Bowness-on-Solway.[118]

In October 2010 MeyGen, a consortium of Morgan Stanley, Atlantis Resources Corporation and International Power, received a 25-year operational lease from the Crown Estate for a 400 MW tidal power project in the Pentland Firth.[119] 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.[120] Commercial production commenced in November 2016, with the four turbines of Phase 1 installed by February 2017.[121] Current owners SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) intend to develop the MeyGen site up to its current grid capacity of 252 MW.[122][123] 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.[124]

Scottish tidal developers Nova Innovation and Orbital Marine Power were each awarded €20m of Horizon Europe funding in 2023 towards developing tidal arrays in Scotland. Nova plan to install 16 turbines totaling 4 MW in Orkney, while Orbital plan four O2 turbines with a total capacity of 9.6 MW.[125]

Bioenergy

edit
Further information: Bioenergy

Biofuel

edit

Various small-scale biofuel experiments have been undertaken. For example, in 2021 British Airways flew a 35% aviation biofuel demonstration flight from London to Glasgow.[126] Some say that sustainable aviation fuel (not necessarily biofuel) for the UK should be produced in Scotland due to the high share of renewable energy.[127] Due to the relatively short growing season for sugar producing crops, ethanol is not commercially produced as a fuel.[128]

Biogas, anaerobic digestion and landfill gas

edit

Biogas, or landfill gas, is a biofuel produced through the intermediary stage of anaerobic digestion consisting mainly of 45–90% biologically produced methane and carbon dioxide. In 2007 a thermophilic anaerobic digestion facility was commissioned in Stornoway in the Western Isles. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has established a digestate standard to facilitate the use of solid outputs from digesters on land.[129]

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, it is estimated that 0.4 GW of generating capacity might be available from agricultural waste.[18] Landfill sites have the potential for a further 0.07 GW[18] with sites such as the Avondale Landfill in Falkirk already utilising their potential.[130]

Solid biomass

edit
 
Steven's Croft wood-fired power station near Lockerbie
Further information: Biomass

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,[131] were forecast to be able to provide up to 1 million tonnes of wood fuel per annum.[132] 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.[131] However a 2011 Forestry 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."[133] A plan to build in Edinburgh a 200 MW biomass plant which would have imported 83% of its wood,[134] was withdrawn by Forth Energy in 2012[135] but the energy company E.ON has constructed a 44 MW biomass power station at Lockerbie using locally sourced crops.[136] 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.[132]

There is also local potential for energy crops such as short-rotation willow or poplar coppice, miscanthus energy grass, agricultural wastes such as straw and manure, and forestry residues.[132][137] These crops could provide 0.8 GW of generating capacity.[18]

Incineration

edit

There is a successful waste-to-energy incineration plant at Lerwick in Shetland which burns 22,000 tonnes (24,250 tons) of waste every year and provides district heating to more than 600 customers.[138] Although such plants generate carbon emissions through the combustion of the biological material and plastic wastes (which derive from fossil fuels), they also reduce the damage done to the atmosphere from the creation of methane 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.[139]

Solar energy

edit

Source: Apricus[140]

Further information: Solar energy

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.[141] The UK's practicable resource is estimated at 7.2 TWh per year.[21]

Despite Scotland's relatively low level of sunshine hours,[142] solar thermal panels can work effectively as they are capable of producing hot water even in cloudy weather.[143][144] The technology was developed in the 1970s and is well-established with various installers in place; for example, AES Solar based in Forres provided the panels for the Scottish Parliament building.[145]

In 2022 solar power capacity in Scotland had reached 420MW.[146] Government grants became available to low income households for solar power installations from 2022.[147]

Geothermal energy

edit
Further information: Geothermal power

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 a ground source heat 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 a Coefficient of performance of between 3–4,[148] 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 by Local Energy Scotland.[149] Up to 7.6 TWh of energy is available on an annual basis from this source.[23]

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 tunes. The water will generally require further heating in order to reach a usable temperature. An example is the Glenalmond Street project in Shettleston, 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.[150]

There is also potential for geothermal energy production from decommissioned oil and gas fields.[151]

Complementary technologies

edit

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.[152] The Energy Technology Partnership provides a bridge between academic research in the energy sector and industry and aims to translate research into economic impact.[153] Although also low-carbon, Torness – the only nuclear power station – is due to be closed in 2028 and no new nuclear power in Scotland built due to Scottish government opposition.[154]

Grid management

edit

Demand patterns are changing with the emergence of electric vehicles and the need to decarbonise heat.[155] The Scottish 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."[156]

In 2007 Scottish and Southern Energy plc in conjunction with the University 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.[157][158][needs update]

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.[159] The potential for such a scheme has been described as including acting as a "30 GW battery for Europe's clean energy".[160][needs update]

In August 2013 Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution connected a 2 MW lithium-ion battery at Kirkwall Power Station. This was the UK's first large-scale battery connected to a local electricity distribution network.[161] There are other demand management initiatives being developed. For example, Sunamp, a company based in East 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. [162] A 50MW/100MWh battery is being built at Wishaw near Glasgow,[163] and a 50 MW battery started in 2023.[164]

Much greater linkage to sell more electricity to England has been proposed, but this may not be viable if nodal electricity pricing is implemented in Britain.[165] Norway has so far refused a Scotland-Norway interconnector.

Carbon sequestration

edit

Also known as carbon 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 in Norway.[166] No commercial-scale projects exist in Scotland as yet although in 2020 the UK government allocated 800 million pounds to attempt to create carbon sequestration clusters by 2030 aimed at capturing carbon dioxide emissions from heavy industry.[167]

Hydrogen

edit
 
Hypod and windmills at the PURE site on Unst

Although hydrogen offers significant potential as an alternative to hydrocarbons as a carrier of energy, neither hydrogen itself nor the associated fuel cell technologies are sources of energy in themselves. Nevertheless, the combination of renewable technologies and hydrogen is of considerable interest to those seeking alternatives to fossil fuels.[168] There are a number of Scottish projects involved in this research, supported by the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA).[169]

The PURE project on Unst in Shetland is a training and research centre that uses a combination of the ample supplies of wind power and fuel cells to create a wind 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's development trust.[170]

In July 2008 the SHFCA announced plans for a "hydrogen corridor" from Aberdeen to Peterhead. The proposal involves running hydrogen-powered buses along the A 90 and is supported by Aberdeenshire Council and the Royal Mail.[171] The economics and practical application of hydrogen vehicles are being investigated by the University of Glasgow, among others.[172] In 2015 the city of Aberdeen became the site of the UK's first hydrogen production and bus refuelling station[173] and the council and announced the purchase of a further 10 hydrogen buses in 2020.[174] The "Hydrogen Office" in Methil aims to demonstrate the benefits of improved energy efficiency and renewable and hydrogen energy systems.[175]

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".[176]

Hydrogen production through electrolysis was well underway in early 2021 in Orkney where clean energy sources (wind, waves, tides) were producing excess electricity that could be used to create hydrogen which could be stored until needed.[177] 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".[178] 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". [179][180] By that time, a plan was underway at Kirkwall 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".[181]

In December 2020 the Scottish government released a hydrogen policy statement with plans for incorporating blue and green hydrogen for use in heating, transportation and industry.[182] The Scottish government also planned an investment of £100 million in the hydrogen sector "for the £180 million Emerging Energy Technologies Fund".[183] 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".[184]

Local vs national concerns

edit
 
"A battle that pitches environmentalists against conservationists"

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.[185]

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 Hebridean Isle of Lewis have generated considerable debate.[186] A related issue is the high-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 a public inquiry and has been described by Ian Johnston of The Scotsman as a "battle that pitches environmentalists against conservationists and giant energy companies against aristocratic landowners and clan chiefs".[187] In January 2010 Jim Mather, the Energy Minister, announced that the project would be going ahead, notwithstanding the more than 18,000 objections received.[188] 53 km of the 132kV line inside the park was taken down and not replaced.[189] The Beauly–Denny line was energized by Christmas 2015.[190]

There is considerable support for community-scale energy projects.[191] For example, Alex Salmond, the then First 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".[108] The John 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",[192] although even community-owned schemes can prove controversial.[193]

A related issue is the position of Scotland within the United Kingdom. It has been alleged[who?] that UK transmission pricing structures are weighted against the development of renewables,[194][195][196] a debate which highlights the contrast between the sparsely populated north of Scotland and the highly urbanised south and east of England. Although the ecological footprints of Scotland and England are similar the relationship between this footprint and the biocapacities 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.[197] 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.[198][199] Thus, to achieve the same end in the UK context, consumption would have to be reduced by about 66%.

The developed 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 the Central 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.[200]

Promotion of renewables

edit

Growing national concerns regarding peak 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. The Forum 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 annual Green 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.[201] In 2009 AREG formed an alliance with North Scotland Industries Group to help promote the North of Scotland as an "international renewable energy hub".[202]

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, including fuel cell research at St Andrews, marine technologies at Edinburgh, distributed power systems at Strathclyde[136] and biomass crops at the UHI Millennium Institute's Orkney College.[203]

In 2010 the Scotcampus student Freshers' Festivals held in Edinburgh and Glasgow were powered entirely by renewable energy in a bid to raise awareness among young people.[204]

In July 2009 Friends of the Earth, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, World Development Movement and World 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.[205] 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.[78]

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.[206]

Political landscape

edit

Energy policy in Scotland is a "reserved" issue, i.e. responsibility for it lies with the UK government. Former First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader Nicola 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.[207] During the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014 Scotland's energy resources were a significant theme,[208] and would likely be so again if there was another independence referendum.[209] The Scottish Green Party are strongly supportive of "low carbon energy for all".[210]

Scottish Labour (which is a section of the UK Labour Party) also supports what they call a "Green Industrial Revolution".[211] The Scottish Conservatives' (who are a branch of the UK Conservative 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,[212] which the SNP government oppose.[213] The Scottish Liberal Democrats have a "commitment to 100% of Scottish electricity to be from renewable sources."[214]

The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) was held in Glasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021 under the presidency of the United Kingdom.[215]

See also

edit

Global

Notes and references

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Table sources: Total capacity from all sources in 2006 was estimated at 10.3[16] and 9.8 GW.[17] It is estimated by RSPB Scotland et al. (February 2006)[18] that electricity output would decline from the current total of 50 TWh per annum to about a third of this figure by 2020 due to decommissioning of existing non-renewable capacity if no new capacity was installed.[needs update] In 2006 total energy demand was 177.8 TWh.[19][needs update] Electricity makes up 20% of total energy use, but about 15 TWh are exported or lost in transmission.[18]
    The main source assumes grid capacity is available. Without this the potential drops significantly to circa 33 TWh.[citation needed]
    The tidal potential of the Pentland Firth alone is estimated elsewhere at over 10 GW.[20]
    Geothermal potential capacity is estimated from potential output.
    Micro generation (including solar) is estimated as having the potential of producing up to 40% of current electrical demand by 2050, i.e. circa 14 TWh.[21] The above figures assume 12% by 2020.[citation needed][needs update]
  2. ^ Note on "installed capacity" and "potential energy". The former is an estimate of the maximum productive output of a given technology or individual generation station at a single point in time. The latter takes into account the likely intermittency of energy supply and is a measure of output over a period of time. Thus, for example, individual wind turbines may have a capacity factor of between 15% and 45% depending on their location, with a higher capacity factor giving a greater potential energy output for a given installed capacity. The potential energy column is thus an estimate based on a variety of assumptions including the installed capacity. Although potential energy is in some ways a more useful method of comparing the current output and future potential of different technologies, using it would require cumbersome explanations of all the assumptions involved in each example, so installed capacity figures are generally used.
  3. ^ A gigawatt (GW) is a measure of productive capacity. Terawatt-hours (TWh) measure actual output. Thus, an 8 GW power station operating ten hours per day will produce 8x10 equals 80 TWh of electricity. Whenever possible this article refers to predictions of maximum output in GW. Using energy productions in TWh might be more useful in some ways but would tend to obscure the underlying assumptions unless every reference included a measure for maximum output, capacity factor and assumed production, which might prove cumbersome.[citation needed]
  4. ^ The limited capacity and high cost of pumped storage systems makes it impractical to use them as buffers against periods of low output from other sources; a 2011 report calculated that the total operational pumped storage capacity across Great Britain at the time (and so including the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog schemes in Wales) would only be able to supply approximately 2.8 GW of electricity for a maximum of five hours, then no more than 1 GW for a further 17 hours maximum.[66]

Citations

edit
  1. ^ "Whitelee Windfarm". ScottishPower Renewables. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  2. ^ See, for example, Scottish Executive (2005) Choosing Our Future: Scotland's Sustainable Development Strategy. Edinburgh.
  3. ^ "Renewables met 97% of Scotland's electricity demand in 2020". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 March 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Statistics". Scottish Renewables. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Proportion of electricity generation by fuel". Scottish Government: Scottish Energy Statistics Hub. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  6. ^ a b "Share of renewable electricity in gross final consumption". Scottish Government: Scottish Energy Statistics Hub. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  7. ^ "Record renewable energy output". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  8. ^ Wray, Ben (5 June 2022). "April Fuel's Day: Explaining Scotland's energy price rises". The National. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  9. ^ "Energy statistics". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  10. ^ a b Monbiot, George (2006). Heat: How to Stop the Planet Burning. London: Allen Lane. ISBN 978-0-71399-924-2. OCLC 70173475.
  11. ^ a b Valenti, Martin (2020) "Scotland's leading role in the journey to a sustainable, low-carbon future". Scottish Enterprise. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  12. ^ a b "Ending Scotland's Contribution to Climate Change". Scottish Government. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  13. ^ a b HICEC. (2006) Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company Annual Review. HICEC. Inverness. Archived 8 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine. (PDF). Retrieved 31 August 2007.
  14. ^ a b "Scottish communities reap £20m in benefits from renewable energy projects". Local Energy Scotland. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  15. ^ a b c Scottish Renewables (January 2006) Market and Planning Report. Issue No 4.
  16. ^ a b A Scottish Energy Review. (November 2005) Scottish National Party Framework Paper. Edinburgh.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland, World Wide Fund for Nature Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland (February 2006) Briefing Paper 2006: The Power of Scotland: Cutting Carbon with Scotland's Renewable Energy. RSPB et al. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  18. ^ Delivering the New Generation of Energy: Route Map to Scotland's Renewable Future (PDF). Glasgow: Scottish Renewables Forum. 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2014.
  19. ^ a b c "Marine Briefing" (December 2006) Scottish Renewables Forum. Glasgow.
  20. ^ a b c Position Paper: The Role of Nuclear Power in a Low-Carbon Economy (PDF). London: Sustainable Development Commission. March 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2012.
  21. ^ a b "Forum on Renewable Energy Development in Scotland" (PDF). Renewable Policy Team. October 2008. p. 21. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
  22. ^ a b c d McLoughlin, Nicola (12 July 2006) "Geothermal Heat in Scotland" Archived 19 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine. (PDF). Edinburgh. Scottish Executive. SPICe briefing 06/54. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
  23. ^ "Solar Energy Scotland calls for 4GW by 2030 target to 'realise solar's full potential'". Solar Power Portal. 12 October 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Marine Energy" (PDF). hi-energy.org.uk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 2 October 2015.
  25. ^ Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (June 2005). Future Generation Group Report – Scotland's Renewable Energy Potential: Realising the 2020 Target. Edinburgh: The Scottish Executive. ISBN 978-0-75594-721-8. OCLC 61440010.
  26. ^ "Renewable energy potential" (Press release). Scottish Government. 27 November 2007. Archived from the original on 14 August 2019. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
  27. ^ REN21 (2011). "Renewables 2011: Global Status Report" (PDF). pp. 49–50. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 September 2011. Retrieved 4 January 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ^ MacDonnel, Hamish (30 January 2008) "Scotland aims to lead world in global warming battle". Edinburgh. The Scotsman.
  29. ^ "Clean, green energy" (Press release). Scottish Government. 17 June 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  30. ^ Carrell, Severin (24 January 2017). "Scotland eyes 50% renewable energy by 2030 in shift away from North Sea oil". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  31. ^ a b "Ministers downgrade Scottish offshore energy projection". BBC News. 13 November 2023.
  32. ^ AEA Technology (January 2006). Scottish Energy Study – Summary Report for the Scottish Executive (PDF). Scottish Executive. ISBN 978-0-75591-308-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 January 2018.
  33. ^ "Data – Sector Consumption (GWh)". Scottish Government: Scottish Energy Statistics Hub. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  34. ^ "Enough UK oil reserves 'for at least 20 years of production'". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 November 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  35. ^ "Scotland's electricity and gas networks: vision to 2030". (12 March 2019) Scottish Government. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  36. ^ "Energy Statistics for Scotland". Scottish Government. December 2015. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  37. ^ "Renewables in Numbers – Scottish Renewables". Scottish Renewables. Archived 16 December 2019 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  38. ^ "Energy Statistics for Scotland: Q1 2020 figures". (pdf) Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  39. ^ "Employment in renewables sees 5% growth in one year". Scottish Renewables. 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  40. ^ "Statistics". scottishrenewables.com. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  41. ^ "Renewables sector supports 11,000 Scottish jobs, finds report". Energy Efficiency News. 30 March 2012. Archived from the original on 14 January 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  42. ^ Stern, Sir Nicholas (2006). The Economics of Climate Change: the Stern Review. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-52170-080-1. OCLC 78555140.
  43. ^ The press reports are voluminous. See for example: "A Winter Wonderland" (10 December 2006) Edinburgh. Scotland on Sunday.; "Final Warning" (3 February 2007) London. The Independent.
  44. ^ Leaflet: Fifth Assessment Report (PDF), IPCC, 2014
  45. ^ Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (Report). Incheon, Republic of Korea: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 7 October 2018. Retrieved 7 October 2018.
  46. ^ "Renewable Energy Statistics Database for the United Kingdom". Restats. Archived from the original on 2 April 2007. Retrieved 6 April 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  47. ^ Power from the Glens/Neart nan Gleann. Scottish and Southern Energy plc. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  48. ^ a b Power from the Glens/Neart nan Gleann. Scottish and Southern Energy plc. Retrieved 24 January 2021. p. 1.
  49. ^ Digest of UK Energy Statistics
  50. ^ Power from the Glens/Neart nan Gleann. Scottish and Southern Energy plc. Retrieved 24 January 2021. pp. 20–21
  51. ^ Power from the Glens/Neart nan Gleann. Scottish and Southern Energy plc. Retrieved 24 January 2021. pp. 18–19
  52. ^ Power from the Glens/Neart nan Gleann. Scottish and Southern Energy plc. Retrieved 24 January 2021. pp. 3, 12.
  53. ^ "Tunnel tigers". The Scotsman. National World Publishing. 18 June 2002. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  54. ^ Wood, Emma (2004). The Hydro Boys: Pioneers of Renewable Energy (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Luath Press. ISBN 978-1-84282-047-6. OCLC 59278510.
  55. ^ The Employment Potential of Scotland's Hydro Resource (Report). Scottish Government. January 2010. Archived from the original on 19 February 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  56. ^ "Knoydart Renewables – The Power of Knoydart". The Knoydart Foundation. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  57. ^ "Hydro". Kingussie Community Development Company. 11 October 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  58. ^ "Evidence Received for Renewable Energy in Scotland Inquiry" (10 February 2004) Enterprise and Culture Committee. Scottish Executive. Edinburgh.
  59. ^ "Glendoe hydro electric scheme resumes operations". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  60. ^ "Glendoe Hydro Scheme". Scottish and Southern Energy. Archived from the original on 28 August 2007.
  61. ^ "Four hydro schemes approved". Planning Resource. 23 April 2010. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  62. ^ "Run-of-river hydro schemes in the National Park". Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  63. ^ "Power Stations in the United Kingdom (operational at the end of May 2004)" (PDF). Department of Trade and Industry, HM Government. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 February 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  64. ^ "£100m boost for biggest UK hydro scheme in decades". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 21 March 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  65. ^ Analysis of UK Wind Power Generation, November 2008 to December 2010 (PDF). Dunnet: Stuart Young Consulting. March 2011. pp. 1, 15 (in work pp. 4, 18).
  66. ^ Nield, David (18 July 2019). "Scotland is now generating so much wind energy, it could power two Scotlands". Business Insider. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  67. ^ "Scotland just produced enough wind energy to power it for an entire day". The Independent. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  68. ^ "Scotland's wind turbines cover all its electricity needs for a day". The Guardian. Press Association. 11 August 2016. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  69. ^ Weaver, John Fitzgerald (14 August 2016). "Scotland blows away the competition – 106% of electricity needs from wind – joins select club". Electrek. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  70. ^ Russell, Greg (10 December 2018). "Scottish wind power output breaks 100% output milestone". The National. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  71. ^ "Black Law Wind Farm". ScottishPower Rewnewables. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  72. ^ "UK's most powerful wind farm could power Paisley". British Wind Energy Association. January 2006. Archived from the original on 20 January 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  73. ^ "Whitelee Wind Farm". ScottishPower Renewables. Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  74. ^ "Let's Talk Renewables" (PDF). HIE. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 April 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2008.
  75. ^ "Green Energy press release". greenenergy.uk.com. 26 January 2005. Archived from the original on 21 December 2006. Retrieved 1 February 2007.
  76. ^ "Eigg Electric". isleofeigg.org. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  77. ^ a b Nelson, Cordelia (20 March 2013). "Scots support renewable energy". YouGov.
  78. ^ "Rise in Scots wind farm support". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 18 October 2010.
  79. ^ Scottish Government (2003). "Public Attitudes to Windfarms: A Survey of Local Residents in Scotland". Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  80. ^ Scottish Renewables (22 October 2010). "Scots support wind farms". Sustainable Scotland. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013.
  81. ^ "Community Funds". Foundation Scotland. Retrieved 30 December 2020
  82. ^ "Local Development Plan Supplementary Guidance: Part 1 Appendix C". Dumfries and Galloway Council. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  83. ^ "Robin Rigg East and West". RWE Global Retrieved 30 December 2020
  84. ^ "Offshore turbines start turning". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 9 September 2009. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  85. ^ Keane, Kevin (2 July 2018) "Aberdeen wind farm opposed by Donald Trump generates first power". BBC. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  86. ^ Archer, Cristina L. and Jacobson, Mark Z. (2005) Evaluation of global wind power. Journal of Geophysical Research – Atmospheres. Retrieved on 30 January 2006. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  87. ^ "New offshore wind farm contracts announced". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 January 2010.
  88. ^ "New UK offshore wind farm licences are announced". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 January 2010. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  89. ^ "Salmond discusses floating windfarm". (17 August 2010) Aberdeen: Press and Journal.
  90. ^ "Conservationists win Scottish wind farm legal challenge". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  91. ^ "Scots offshore wind 'pretty much dead', former minister claims". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 20 July 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  92. ^ "Moray East – Under Construction Offshore Wind Farm – United Kingdom | 4C Offshore". www.4coffshore.com. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  93. ^ Fruergaard, Wadia (6 December 2018). "Moray East Signs Firm Order with MHI Vestas Offshore Wind". MHI Vestas Offshore. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  94. ^ Saunderson, Chris (28 December 2020) "Moray Offshore Windfarm lifts final jacket in place. Forres Gazette. Retrieved 29 December 2020
  95. ^ "Hywind Scotland" Archived 14 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine. equinor. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  96. ^ "City job losses as giant utility firm pulls out". The Inverness Courier. 1 March 2013. Archived from the original on 7 March 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2007.
  97. ^ "Green for go as isle plays host to world's largest wave farm" (23 January 2009) Edinburgh. The Scotsman. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
  98. ^ Donald, Colin (24 July 2011). "World's biggest 'wave farm' in crisis as RWE npower pulls out". Sunday Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  99. ^ Dinwoodie, Robbie (19 May 2010) "Launched: mighty sea snake that could power 500 homes". Glasgow; The Herald.
  100. ^ Blum, Patrick (16 March 2009). "A Setback for Wave Power Technology". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  101. ^ Burns, Niamh (7 February 2015). "Sweden's Vattenfall to liquidate wave power venture". Energy Voice. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  102. ^ "Over £14 million for Wave Energy Scotland". The Scottish Government. 25 February 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
  103. ^ "Find out about the projects driving Scotland's wave energy ambitions". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  104. ^ "Two Scots Firms Secure £7.7m Funding". Wave Energy Scotland. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  105. ^ "Mocean Energy's Blue X Wave Device and Verlume's Halo Battery Come Ashore". Offshore Engineer Magazine. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  106. ^ DiCerto, Joseph J. (1976). The Electric Wishing Well: The Solution to the Energy Crisis. New York: Macmillan. p. 140. ISBN 978-0-02531-320-0. OL 21547493M.
  107. ^ a b "'Saudi Arabia of Tidal Power' Woos Dozens of Energy Firms". The Scotsman". 11 February 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  108. ^ Carrington, Damian (10 July 2013). "Tidal power from Pentland firth 'could provide half of Scotland's electricity'". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
  109. ^ Dutta, Kunal (17 March 2010) "Marine energy projects approved for Scotland." The Independent. London.
  110. ^ "Orkney Renewable Energy Forum: Marine Energy". Orkney Renewable Energy Forum. Retrieved 4 February 2007.
  111. ^ Urquhart, Frank (4 September 2011) "Island to switch on power of currents". Edinburgh. Scotland on Sunday.
  112. ^ "North Yell" Archived 18 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Nova Innovation. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  113. ^ Carrell, Severin (29 August 2016). "World first for Shetlands in tidal power breakthrough". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  114. ^ "Shetland Tidal Array becomes world leader". ReNEWS. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  115. ^ "Nova looking to decommission older tidal turbines". Shetland News. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  116. ^ "Solway barrage prospects assessed". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 4 February 2010.
  117. ^ Whittle, Julian (8 March 2013) " 'Green energy' scheme to span Solway Firth?" Archived 2 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. News and Star. Carlisle. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  118. ^ Major Scottish tidal project unveiled New Civil Engineer, 28 October 2010. Retrieved 4 November 2010.
  119. ^ "Pentland Firth tidal turbine project given consent". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 16 September 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  120. ^ White, Matthew (12 April 2008). "Meygen Starts 25 year operations phase". 4c Offshore.
  121. ^ "Green light for world's largest planned tidal energy project in Scotland". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 December 2014.
  122. ^ "Meygen tidal stream projects" Archived 27 December 2020 at the Wayback Machine. (16 September 2013). simecatlantis.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  123. ^ "Simec Atlantis makes significant advancement in MeyGen project". Sharecast. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  124. ^ UK Marine Energy Council (14 December 2023). "Clean sweep for UK projects in Horizon tidal call | UK Marine Energy Council (UKMEC)". www.marineenergycouncil.co.uk. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  125. ^ "British Airways completes its first flight with sustainable aviation fuel". www.scotsman.com. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  126. ^ "UK sustainable aviation fuels mandate consultation – summary of responses" (PDF).
  127. ^ Martin, P.J., French, J., Wishart, J. and Cromarty, A. (2005) "Report to Westray Development Trust on Biofuel Crops Research at Orkney College During 2004/5". Agronomy Institute, Orkney College. This study indicated that in Scottish growing conditions oilseed rape provided significantly better relative yields of biodiesel than were available via ethanol from sugar beet.
  128. ^ "Biofertiliser Certification Scheme: End of Waste Scotland". Renewable Energy Assurance. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  129. ^ "Welcome to Avondale Landfill" Avondale Environmental Limited. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  130. ^ a b "Promoting and Accelerating the Market Penetration of Biomass Technology in Scotland". Scottish Executive Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland. January 2005. Archived from the original on 20 February 2015. Retrieved 13 November 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  131. ^ a b c "Energy from our trees and forests". renewscotland. Archived from the original on 10 July 2007. Retrieved 7 February 2007.
  132. ^ (March 2011) The Supply of Wood for Renewable Energy Production in Scotland Archived 30 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Wood Fuel Task Force 2. An Update Report by the Wood Fuel Task Force to Scottish Ministers. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  133. ^ Wingate, Alexandra (18 November 2011) Leith Biomass Plant turn attention to government subsidies. The Edinburgh Reporter. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  134. ^ "Leith ruled out for Forth Energy biomass plant". BBC. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  135. ^ a b Royal Society of Edinburgh (June 2006) Inquiry into Energy Issues for Scotland. Final Report. Edinburgh. RSE.
  136. ^ "Biomass fuels Related to forestry and agriculture". Macauley Institute. 17 January 2006. Retrieved 7 February 2007.
  137. ^ "Shetland Heat Energy & Power Ltd". Shetland Heat Energy & Power Ltd. Retrieved 4 February 2007.
  138. ^ "EPR Policies and Product Design: Economic Theory and Selected Case Studies" – ENV/EPOC/WGWPR(2005)9/FINAL (PDF) (2005) Working Group on Waste Prevention and Recycling. OECD. Retrieved 31 August 2007. Archived 3 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  139. ^ "Insolation Levels (Europe)". Apricus Solar. Archived from the original on 17 April 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
  140. ^ Child, Michael; Ilonen, Roope; Vavilov, Mihail; Kolehmainen, Mikko; Breyer, Christian (2019). "Scenarios for sustainable energy in Scotland". Wind Energy. 22 (5): 666–684. Bibcode:2019WiEn...22..666C. doi:10.1002/we.2314. ISSN 1099-1824. S2CID 116138691.
  141. ^ "Sunshine Duration Annual Average". Met Office. 2001. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 20 August 2007.
  142. ^ "Solar panels". Energy Saving Trust. Retrieved 11 May 2015.
  143. ^ "FAQ: What about the weather?". AES Solar. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  144. ^ "Scottish Renewables Economics Impact Report 07" (PDF). Scottish Renewables Forum Limited. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 July 2007. Retrieved 11 February 2007.
  145. ^ "THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SOLAR PV IN SCOTLAND". 21 October 2022.
  146. ^ "Free Solar Panel Grants Scotland". Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  147. ^ Lubis, Luthfi I.; Kanoglu, Mehmet; Dincer, Ibrahim; Rosen, Marc A. (September 2011). "Thermodynamic analysis of a hybrid geothermal heat pump system". Geothermics. 40 (3): 233–238. Bibcode:2011Geoth..40..233L. doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2011.06.004. ISSN 0375-6505.
  148. ^ "Renewable and low carbon energy". Scottish Government. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  149. ^ "Geothermal Energy". John Gilbert Architects. Archived from the original on 5 February 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2007.
  150. ^ "Design Study may Lead to Two North Sea Interconnector Hubs to Service Geothermal Power". (21 November 2012). Healer George. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  151. ^ See for example: "Wind Power: Your questions answered" (2006) Sustainable Development Commission. London.
  152. ^ "ETP Home page". Energy Technology Partnership. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  153. ^ "Energy strategy: No plans for new nuclear sites in Scotland". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  154. ^ "Energy Infrastructure". Scottish Government. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  155. ^ "Chapter 2. Scotland's Changing Energy System". The future of energy in Scotland: Scottish energy strategy. Scottish Government. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  156. ^ Registered Power Zone Annual Report for period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 (pdf) Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution and Southern Electric Power Distribution. Retrieved 18 October 2007. Archived 10 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  157. ^ Facilitate Generation Connections on Orkey by Automatic Distribution Network Management Archived 27 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine DTI. Retrieved 18 October 2007.
  158. ^ "Scotland marine energy potential to be mapped" Archived 15 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Energysaving trust. Retrieved 16 December 2011.
  159. ^ Jha, Alok (3 January 2010) "Sun, wind and wave-powered: Europe unites to build renewables 'supergrid'." London. The Guardian.
  160. ^ "SHEPD energises UK's first grid battery in Orkney" Archived 18 August 2013 at the Wayback Machine. (14 August 2013) The Orcadian. Retrieved 16 September 2013.
  161. ^ Williamson, Mark (11 August 2020) "Scottish heat battery pioneer wins backing from international investors". Glasgow. The Herald. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  162. ^ Lempriere, Molly (28 April 2022). "Zenobē begins construction of 50MW/100MWh transmission connected battery in Scotland". Solar Power Portal.
  163. ^ "SUSI, Eelpower power up 50-MW battery in Scotland". Renewablesnow.com.
  164. ^ Edwardes-Evans, Henry (11 July 2022). "UK regulator Ofgem confirms need for huge Eastern HVDC link". www.spglobal.com. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  165. ^ "Sequestration science is far ahead of needed policy". (8 September 2006) MIT Technology Review. Retrieved 24 June 2007. The report notes that the Sleipner natural gas field has been successfully sequestering carbon dioxide underground for 10 years.
  166. ^ Ross, Kelvin (18 November 2020). "Carbon capture sector welcomes UK's green industrial strategy". Power Engineering International. Archived from the original on 19 September 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  167. ^ Romm, J.R. (2004) The Hype About Hydrogen. London. Island Press. pp. 1–4
  168. ^ "Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Activities Map". Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association Ltd. Archived from the original on 5 August 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2007.
  169. ^ "PURE project". Pure Energy Centre. Archived from the original on 12 June 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2007.
  170. ^ "Hydrogen corridor for north-east? The Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association is hatching a bold proposal" (7 July 2008) SHFCA. Retrieved 9 November 2008. Archived 20 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  171. ^ "University investigates viability of hydrogen in transport". Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  172. ^ "The world's first hydrogen-powered double-decker bus arrives in Aberdeen." (19 October 2020) Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  173. ^ "Aberdeen to see further expansion of hydrogen buses project." (27 August 2020) Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  174. ^ "Home" Archived 1 March 2021 at the Wayback Machine The Hydrogen Office. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
  175. ^ "Council, SIC moves ahead in developing hydrogen as an alternative fuel". Shetland News. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  176. ^ "How hydrogen is transforming these tiny Scottish islands". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 27 March 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2021. Orkney started planning its hydrogen-based economy in 2016
  177. ^ "Is Orkney the hydrogen capital of the world?". Energy Ireland. 25 November 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2021. It's an economy centred on the electrolysis of water, a process that is fuelled by the bountiful supply of wind-based renewables on and around the coast of Orkney.
  178. ^ "Hydrogen". Orkney. 20 December 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  179. ^ "EGEB: Scotland trials world's first hydrogen ferry". Electrek. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  180. ^ "Green hydrogen set to decarbonise airport". Hydrogen East. 20 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2 February 2021. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  181. ^ Stones, Jake (22 December 2020) "Scotland outlines hydrogen policy to 2045". ICIS. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  182. ^ "Scotland Invests in Offshore Wind and Tidal Energy for Green Hydrogen". Maritime Executive. 20 December 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  183. ^ "Energy hub team keeping close eye on £100m government hydrogen pledge". Shetland News. 23 December 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  184. ^ For example W. H. Murray described the Hebrides as "the Isles on the Edge of the Sea where men are welcome – if they are hard in body and in spirit tenacious." Murray, W.H. (1966) The Hebrides; London; Heinemann; page 232. Murray was born in 1913 and his use of the masculine may seem inappropriate now, although the harsh climate and lack of employment opportunities are very much an issue in the 21st century. See for example Ross, David (8 February 2007) "Western Isles set to pay its women to stay". The Herald which notes the local council's concerns about the long term decline in the population of women of childbearing age.
  185. ^ "Wind power dilemma for Lewis". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 July 2006. Retrieved 4 February 2007.
  186. ^ Johnston, Ian (6 February 2007) "Scotland sits at a green crossroads" Archived 31 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Edinburgh. The Scotsman. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
  187. ^ "Power line upgrade given go-ahead". BBC Retrieved 9 January 1010.
  188. ^ "Beauly – Denny". Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  189. ^ "Beauly-Denny delivers power super-highway between the Highlands and the Central Belt". Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks. 22 December 2015. Archived from the original on 7 August 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  190. ^ See for example, Energy4All Ltd. (2006) Empowering Communities: A Step By Step Guide to Financing A Community Renewable Energy Project. Inverness. HICEC
  191. ^ What's Your View on Wild Land? (2006) John Muir Trust. Pitlochry. See also "Renewable Energy Policy". John Muir Trust. Retrieved 31 August 2007.
  192. ^ For example, a small-scale scheme proposed by North Harris development trust has been supported by the John Muir Trust, but opposed by Scottish Natural Heritage. The objection "caused outrage" and was withdrawn in September 2007. See Ross, David, (4 September 2007) "Heritage body in U-turn over island wind farm". Glasgow. The Herald. The project finally received planning consent for three 86 metre (282 ft) wind turbines in early 2008. See "North Harris community wind farm approved" (February 2008) John Muir Trust Journal No. 44. Page 5.
  193. ^ Perry, David (22 November 2006) "Backing for North Sea Super-Grid plans". Aberdeen. Press and Journal.
  194. ^ Dinning, R. J. (2006) "A response to the Scottish National Party Energy Review". Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine (Microsoft Word document) London. Energy Institute. Retrieved 31 August 2007. This report notes "we are aware this topic has been contentious amongst Scottish generators and apparently perverse in that it acts against renewable energy in the remote areas where it is most abundant (the same is true for shore access to areas in which CO2 might be stored). However we have to observe the engineering logic surrounding the current regime – that generation be encouraged to deploy in areas, which avoid the wasted energy incurred in transmission losses". Nonetheless, Scottish Power has expressed concern that the current regime penalises the adoption of renewables.
  195. ^ Akildade, Anthony (11 February 2007) "Osborne steps into row over green targets". Glasgow. Sunday Herald. This article outlines fears that subsidies for renewables will be targeted at offshore wind "which is more viable in England" than in Scotland where the technology "has yet to prove itself" because of the deeper waters off the coasts.
  196. ^ Chambers, N. et al. (2004) Scotland's Footprint. Oxford. Best Foot Forward.
  197. ^ "The Ecological Footprint: A resource accounting framework for measuring human demand on the biosphere". European Environment Agency. Retrieved 4 February 2007.
  198. ^ Global biocapacity averages 1.8 global hectares per person (excluding biodiversity considerations). Chambers (2004). Thus the UK is more typical than Scotland, which although having a high level of consumption, is relatively thinly populated.
  199. ^ See, for example, Lowson, Mike (4 June 2007). "Halting the rush to blight Scotland's scenic landscape". Aberdeen. Press and Journal.
  200. ^ "Angus To Join Moray in Green Energy Initiative". (27 January 2007) Aberdeen. Press and Journal.
  201. ^ "2.3. Alliance to promote RE industry in N.Scotland" News@All-Energy – Issue 155 – Late November 2009. All-Energy. Retrieved 6 December 2009. Archived 23 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  202. ^ Martin, Peter; Sellers, Geoff; Wishart, John. "Short Rotation Coppice:A potential biomass crop for the Highlands and Islands of Scotland" (PDF). Orkney College. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2007.
  203. ^ "Freshers Festivals Edinburgh" Events Edinburgh. Retrieved 30 June 2010. Archived 7 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  204. ^ Murray, Ben (2009) The Power of Scotland Renewed: Clean green energy for the nation's future FOE Scotland, RSPB, World Development Movement and WWF.
  205. ^ "The future of energy in Scotland: Scottish energy strategy: Executive summary". (20 December 2017) Scottish Government. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  206. ^ "Sturgeon tells Westminster to 'get its act together' on clean energy". Energy Voice. Retrieved 29 December 2020.
  207. ^ Little, Gavin (2016). "Energy and the Scotland Act 2016". Edinburgh Law Review. 20 (3): 394–399. doi:10.3366/elr.2016.0374. hdl:1893/23750.
  208. ^ "Scottish Renewables: A United Kingdom Success Story". www.these-islands.co.uk. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  209. ^ "Energy". Scottish Greens. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  210. ^ "It's time for a Green Industrial Revolution". Scottish Labour. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  211. ^ "Scottish Conservatives launch major policy paper on the environment" Archived 17 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine. (2017) Scottish Conservatives. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  212. ^ "Nuclear Energy". Scottish Government. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  213. ^ "Protecting Our Environment" Archived 17 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Scottish Liberal Democrats. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
  214. ^ "New dates agreed for COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference". gov.uk. 28 May 2020.
edit

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Renewable_energy_in_Scotland&oldid=1258591800"