Date Created: 18 May 2011
It’s been a big day for the Scottish renewable energy sector. The Scottish Government raised the 2020 renewable energy target to 100 percent, an online wind energy portal was launched and research suggested that proposed carbon capture projects in Scotland could create 5,000 jobs.
The Scottish Government announced the rise of the 2020 renewable energy target from 80 to 100 percent at the All-Energy 2011 conference in Aberdeen.
"Because the pace of development has been so rapid, with our 2011 target already exceeded, we can now commit to generating the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland's own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020,” said First Minister Alex Salmond.
“By then we intend to be generating twice as much electricity as Scotland needs – just over half of it from renewables, and just under half from other conventional sources.”
The rest of the energy will be exported, making Scotland what Mr Salmond calls “the green energy powerhouse” of Europe.
Offshore wind Scotland portal
The new online portal will provide up-to-the-minute signposting for all information relating to this rapidly-emerging industry. It includes a DVD, case studies, news stories and an interactive map showing Scotland’s offshore wind sites, key infrastructure and current projects.
The creation of the portal was a joint venture by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who recognised that businesses and individuals with an interest in offshore wind need to find relevant, reliable information fast.
“Scotland’s economic development agencies have prioritised the offshore renewables sector, and are working hand-in-hand with industry to understand their requirements and to put in place the necessary supports to ensure we fully maximise the benefits for Scotland,” said Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.”
“The development of this new resource highlights the significant potential offered by this exciting and vibrant sector,” he added. “Scotland has a real opportunity to drive forward the actions required to ensure the success of the industry.”
5000 new jobs
The news also comes on the same day as research suggested that three proposed Scottish carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects could be worth £3 billion to the national economy, generating 5,000 new jobs.
The proposed facilities, if fully developed, will test and demonstrate the technical and commercial aspects of CCS technology to allow the deployment of CCS in existing and new fossil fuel power plants to dramatically reduce Scotland's carbon emissions.