Thinking about where to take your low carbon business next?
For a greener, sustainable return on investment, Scotland has the perfect blend of innovation, talent, industry expertise, quality of life and supportive business environment to help your business prosper.
Think you know Scotland?
Think again. Scotland is rethinking the future, driving a net-zero economy that works for all. Scotland is home to the world’s first tidal array, the world’s first floating offshore wind farm and Europe’s largest hydrogen-fuelled bus fleet. There's no better green investment opportunity than Scotland's thriving renewable energy and low carbon industry.
Watch our video to find out more.
Scotland is the powerhouse of Europe
for offshore and onshore renewable energy and low carbon projects
25% offshore wind resource
Scotland has 25% of Europe's offshore wind and tidal resource
£3bn green portfolio
Scotland will release £3bn ($4bn) of green investment projects over the next three years to transition to a carbon neutral economy by 2045.
60% onshore wind capacity
Scotland has over 60% of the UK's onshore wind capacity
Building a green energy future
Scotland has an ambitious low carbon strategy. It's creating opportunities, right now for investment, innovation and developing talent and human capital.
We know each element of the energy system impacts on the others. Our fully integrated strategy reflects that - covering power, heat and transport systems.
To develop its circular economy, Scotland wants to:
- Reduce waste and litter
- Reduce its carbon and resource footprint
- Increase recycling rates and quality of waste materials for recycling
- Maximise economic opportunities
We support companies to develop low carbon manufacturing, new processes and increased efficiency to ensure sustainable growth.
Meeting the challenge of transitioning to a carbon neutral economy and mobilising opportunities needs strong collaboration. That's why Scotland is actively engaging a broad range of stakeholders across the private, public and community spheres in the process.
If you want to see what a low carbon future looks like you should be in Scotland. Now.
Hywind Scotland, the world's first floating offshore wind farm is now in production, providing clean energy to 20,000 Scottish homes. The 30MW wind farm, is operated by Norway's Equinor, in partnership with Abu Dhabi investor Masdar.
More on investing in Scotland's renewable energy and low carbon industry
“When complete, Hywind Scotland will be the first floating wind farm in the UK and its novel technology offers vast, global potential. This pilot project aims to take advantage of Scotland’s huge offshore wind resource by operating in waters exceeding 100 metres depth, demonstrating cost efficient and low risk solutions for commercial scale parks.”
Keith Brown, Scotland's cabinet secretary for the economy and fair work
Scotland’s energy transition is underpinned by targeted financial support:
- £500m ($651m: €587m) to support the adoption of low carbon heating and energy efficiency measures via Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP)
- £60m ($78m: €70m) for an innovative Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP)
- £20m ($59m: €53m) Energy Investment Fund for projects delivering important solutions for the renewables and low carbon sector
- £45m ($59m: €53m) for 600 local energy projects supported via the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) since 2013
- £38.6m ($50m: €45m) for 86 projects supported via Wave Energy Scotland since 2014
As an innovation nation, Scotland is:
- Adopting a mix of smart technologies and low carbon generation to meet local energy needs
- Pursuing ambitious targets to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles for 2032 via support and demonstration
- Exploring options for decarbonising energy and the wider economy via hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS)
- Providing the best support in Europe for companies to undertake research and demonstration of water related technology
- Helping companies commercialise water related technology to market
Smarter cities
Through the Scottish Cities Alliance, £60 million is being invested to make Scotland's cities smarter. Technology, using data, apps and IoT, will help accelerate and transform the delivery of city services.
Net-Zero Cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, are competing to become the UK's first net-zero emission cities. As such, they have set out ambitious programmes for decarbonisation
More about locations for your business
Sustainable transport
The Scottish Government has set out a strategy to put Scotland on a pathway to net-zero emissions by 2045, with some of the most ambitious targets in the world.
Developing and implementing sustainable transport solutions will play an important role in achieving these targets.
Scotland is already on track with:
- The largest fleet of hydrogen buses in Europe
- The UK's largest electric taxi fleet
- The world's first diesel-electric hybrid ferries
- The world’s first hydrogen duel fuel refuse collection vehicles
- Plans to decarbonise its railways by 2035
- £60m for the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc over 10 years to focus on mobility, clean transport and low carbon energy solutions
Greener buildings
Scotland is introducing new building performance standards. It's also supporting substantial investments in low carbon heat and energy efficiency to decarbonise the nation's building stock.
The Scottish Government's Route Map for an Energy Efficient Scotland outlines a 20-year programme of actions to make all of Scotland's existing buildings near zero carbon wherever feasible by 2050.
Glasgow-based company, IES is pioneering technology that's helping to reduce the carbon emissions of buildings and cities worldwide. Read the full article on the Scottish Enterprise website
Geothermal and district heating
Scotland is leading the world with the only facility of its kind - the Glasgow Geothermal Energy Field Research Site. The project, and related projects around it, will help us not only understand the potential for geothermal heat, but provide a platform to develop demonstrations.
Scotland's Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme has funded several demonstrator district heating projects in Fife, Dundee and Stirling.
Geothermal energy opportunities in Scotland
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Get in touch with our team
With a network of 30 international offices, you'll find a local Scottish Development International contact who can help you do business with Scotland. Whether that’s supporting your investment in Scotland, or helping you partner with Scottish companies.
We can also offer long-term support for your company through our dedicated account management service.
Find your local office or contact our UK call centre on +44 300 013 2734
This call centre is open between 8:30am-5:30pm GMT
Latest updates from Scotland
Hydrogen energy projects in Scotland
Pioneering hydrogen projects are happening in Scotland right now, many of them world firsts to deliver sustainable solutions for a brighter greener future for all.
Net-zero ambitions
Get the latest on Scotland's smart cities, green buildings and climate change solutions.
Top choice for FDI outside London
Scotland remains a prime location for international companies considering foreign investment and expansion amid global challenges, according to EY survey.
Your guide to setting up a business in Scotland (PDF, 1.6MB)
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