Scotland ‘could be nearly 100% renewable by 2030’

An electricity pylon at Sherrifmuir near Dunblane with the Braes of Doune wind farm in the background. Picture; PA

SCOTLAND’S electricity system could be powered almost entirely by renewable energy by 2030, according to a report by an environmental charity.

WWF Scotland’s report uses independent analysis by an engineering and energy consultancy to test the Scottish Government’s policy to decarbonise the country’s electricity supply over the next 15 years.

It found that an electricity system based on “proven renewables and increased energy efficiency” is a credible way of meeting the target.

The report also warned that, with no guarantee that carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be commercialised and rolled out in time, Scotland’s climate targets could be missed unless a safer route to reducing carbon emissions is followed.

Scotland can maintain and even build on its position as a net power exporter if it makes moderate progress to reduce demand for electricity and increase the rollout of hydro-pumped storage, the report says.

Lead author of the report for consultancy DNV GL, Paul Gardner, said: “Our technical analysis shows that a system with an extremely high proportion of renewable electricity generation located in Scotland can be secure and stable. There is no technical reason requiring conventional fossil and nuclear generation in Scotland.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN