The gusty Scottish climate means there is considerable scope to generate power through both onshore and offshore wind energy.
With a possible power output of 36.5GW, Scotland has 25% of Europe's wind energy source and the potential to become a powerhouse in the renewable energy industry.
The Scottish wind energy industry
Environmental concerns and a decline in available fossil fuels mean that renewable sources of power are set to become increasingly valuable. Scotland’s natural resources and excellence in research, technology and innovation mean it has the potential to be at the forefront of the global renewable energy market in coming decades.
- Onshore wind generation supports nearly 3,000 Scottish jobs.
- There were 43 onshore wind farms in Scotland (total current capacity of 1.135GW) as of October 2007.
- Currently Scotland has 60% of UK’s onshore wind installed capacity.
- Scotland is leading the world in the development of deep water offshore wind farms, and two of the largest capacity turbines ever constructed were deployed during 2007.
The future of wind power in Scotland
The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets of generating 50% of Scotland’s electricity through renewable sources by 2020, primarily through wind power. Scotland's potential wind generating capacity (36.5 GW) far exceeds its requirements (10.5 GW), meaning it has the potential to become a net exporter of wind-produced electricity.
- At the end of October 2007, 2GW of onshore wind energy projects had received planning permission, with a further 5.2GW in the pipeline.
- There is a strong legislation-led market for wind energy in Scotland.
- Several Scottish research and development institutions are currently exploring methods of producing wind energy more efficiently and cost-effectively
Investing in Scotland’s wind energy industry
Scotland is an excellent location for investment due to the potential for harnessing wind power. Scotland has a welcoming regime for inward investment, and major renewable energy businesses such as Vestas, REpower and Nordex are already working in Scotland. The reasons to join them include:
- A strong component supply chain already in place.
- Funding and support for diversification into renewable energy sector activity.
- A pool of skilled labour, with competitive wage rates and social taxation costs.
- Expertise in manufacturing large steel structures which is transferable to the wind sector.
- Skills and experience in offshore marine sector due to over 40 years’ research and development in the offshore Oil and Gas sector.
Energy business investment is welcomed in Scotland. Contact us to find out more about the ways in which we can help your business invest in wind energy in Scotland or in any other sector of the Scottish energy industry