By the end of this year, it is likely that renewables will be the country’s main source of electricity, providing more power than nuclear, coal or gas.
Far from being “alternative energy”, renewables is now a major part of our energy mix, and a significant part of Scotland’s economy.
Latest figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change showed that in 2011 renewables in Scotland generated more power than coal or gas for the first time ever, and that we are very much nipping at the heels of nuclear power – the largest single source of generation.
Last year, the sector produced the equivalent of just under 40% of the country’s annual electricity demand, with output up by 78% in just five years.
The continued growth of renewables, particularly onshore wind, means it is just a matter of when – not if – the sector becomes the number one generator of power.
This is no less than the beginning of a complete transformation of our energy sector, evidenced by a 35% drop in carbon emissions from Scotland’s electricity industry between 2006 and 2011.
For some these statistics will come as a surprise, maybe even to those working in the sector. But it should be no surprise that last year saw record levels of investment of more than £1.5billion, and increasing numbers of people dependent on renewables for their jobs.
This has been an incredible few years for the industry but the next several will be our most challenging. With Electricity Market Reform making its way through Parliament, it cannot be overstated the significant impact this new legislation will have on our industry.
However, none of this can be taken for granted. It is well known that the UK lost its world lead on wind power because government was not prepared to support the industry. As a result, the UK has no large scale turbine manufacturing operation today, despite having significant levels of onshore and offshore wind deployment. And here we are some 30 years later in danger of making the same mistake on offshore wind.
Unless we get a clear and unequivocal signal of support from the UK Government for significant roll-out of offshore wind all the MOUs to bring manufacturing here to the British Isles will remain pledges rather than working plants and the full potential employment, economic and environmental benefits will be lost. It is up to ministers to ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
The pressures placed on infrastructure is also a hurdle as this stands in the way of our reaching the ambitious 2020 target of generating the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s electricity requirement from renewable sources.
A fit-for-purpose power grid is an absolute necessity if we are to ensure the electricity we generate reaches homes and businesses across Scotland or even further afield.
Connection to our islands is at the top of our agenda with costs to connect to the grid exceptionally high because of the financial challenges of getting a subsea cable to the mainland. The islands present a fantastic opportunity as they are rich in wind, wave and tidal resource and will play a major role in helping us meet the 2020 targets.
Beyond this, offshore wind beckons. It’s undoubtedly the next chapter in our long renewable energy history which we often forget has been around for longer than our oil and gas industry.
Scotland has been building hydropower stations for more than 70 years and will probably be around for the next 70, but it is offshore wind that represents the biggest prize on offer.
We are well on our way to becoming the heart of the offshore wind sector – a place where we have testing facilities in Aberdeen Bay, potential; manufacturing and assembly sites along the east coast, and leading businesses in just about every aspect of the supply chain.
While the renewables industry in Scotland is still seen by some to be in its infancy, it has rapidly established its place in our energy mix. With continued political and public support we can continue the transformation, establish Scotland as a centre of excellence for offshore renewables and meet the twin challenges of tackling climate change and getting the economy moving.
Niall Stuart is chief executive of Scottish Renewables. For more information go to www.scottishrenewables.com or visit the team on Stand J13 at All-Energy.
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