Scotland's energy industry strengths
Scotland’s world class reputation for innovation in the energy industry comes from its strenghths across the energy sector.
This includes Scotland’s extensive experience of the oil and gas industry and the growing renewable energy sector which is reaping the benefits of Scotland’s natural resources and well developed infrastructure.
Scottish oil and gas strengths
Years of oil and gas production have created a strong supply chain, extensive skills base, renowned academic sector and an investment environment that is conducive to growth.
The Scottish North Sea continues to offer healthy long-term prospects – reserves of oil currently stand at around two billion tonnes – as much as has been produced in the last 25 years.
Scotland’s gas fields contain a maximum remaining reserve of 1330 billion cubic metres – increasingly our businesses are exporting their proven products and services to global markets.
Scottish renewable energy strengths
The Scottish Government’s commitment to developing renewable energy markets includes some of the world’s most ambitious targets.
These targets aim:
- To generate the equivalent of 100 percent of Scotland's own electricity demand from renewable resources by 2020
- To deliver an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim target of 42 percent reduction by 2020
Scotland’s natural energy strengths are impressive, including:
- 25 percent of Europe’s wind resources
- 70 onshore wind farms with a current capacity of 1.8 GW
- Around 25 GW potential offshore wind capacity
- Around 7.5 GW potential tidal energy capacity
- Around 14 GW potential wave energy capacity
The industry in Scotland is supported by an established network of energy centres of excellence providing cutting-edge research and development opportunities.
We are also dedicated to helping the Scottish energy sector and we can help your company make the most of your investment in this thriving industry.
Investment in Scotland’s energy sector