Earlier this week (10 January), the Scottish Government published its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan draft, detailing a plan for “Scotland’s renewable revolution to be accelerated as North Sea basin resources decline.”
The paper opened a number of proposals for consultation to help determine what Scotland’s renewable ambition ought to be, as well as set new objectives for wind power and marine renewables.
Key policy proposals for consultation include: adding 20GW of renewable electricity generation capacity to the current 13.4GW by 2030; a renewable and low-carbon hydrogen power target of 5GW in 2030 and 25GW by 2045; and accelerating the decarbonisation of transport and domestic heat.
Following Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s promise of a “clear vision” for the future development of solar in parliament last December, the plan still withholds specific a commitment to the Scottish renewables industry’s call for a 4-6GW solar target, but does propose increasing contributions to solar projects to bolster Scotland’s current 767MW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity.
When Stephanie Callaghan MSP queried in Parliament the requirement of further consultation around renewables, Michel Matheson, net zero and energy secretary, replied that the discussions would enable the sector “to understand what the most appropriate target would be”.
“At a time of unprecedented uncertainty in our energy sector, accelerating the transition towards becoming a renewables powerhouse makes sense for a number of reasons – particularly to helping to mitigate against future global market volatility and the high energy prices which are making life so difficult for so many people across Scotland. For example, onshore wind is one of the most affordable forms of energy,” continued Matheson.
“While we do not hold all the powers to address these issues at source, this Strategy sets out how we can achieve an energy transition that ensures we have sufficient, secure and affordable energy to meet our needs, support Scotland’s economic growth and capitalise on future sustainable export opportunities.”
The draft also included features of Scotland’s plan for a just transition, which details the support being provided to increase jobs in renewable energy generation and the supply chain whilst simultaneously growing the high-skilled energy workforce in Scotland. The plan also placed particular emphasis on enabling communities and businesses located in the north east of Scotland to prosper.
“A just transition to a net zero energy system will secure alternative employment and economic opportunities for those already working in the industry and will provide new green jobs in Scotland for future generations. Embracing this change will ensure we avoid repeating the damage done by the deindustrialisation of central belt communities in the 1980s,” said just transition minister Richard Lochhead.
“There is a bright future for a revitalised North Sea energy sector focussed on renewables.”
