Renewable Energy and the Scottish Government

The Scottish Government’s primary responsibility for renewable energy in Scotland is the development of a balanced and sustainable renewable energy policy.

However, cultivating renewable energy projects in Scotland to help meet the UK’s carbon emissions obligations under the Kyoto Protocol is only part of the story. For the Scottish Government has other major roles, such as planning and economic development, which impinge on how the alternative energy industry in Scotland is shaped.

Ultimately, the Scottish Government has a fine balancing act to perform: unlocking Scotland’s renewable energy reserves to benefit both the environment and the economy through Green energy jobs while at the same time ensuring the country’s unique natural heritage is not adversely affected.

Key to the development of renewables in Scotland will be the Government’s determination of planning consent for upgrading the electricity transmission network. The future of renewable energy development hinges on the ability to deliver the electricity produced by renewable energy sources to the national grid. Presently, the solution tabled is a multi-million network of large high voltage pylons which, inevitably, is facing fierce opposition from many concerned about the environmental impact.

The Scottish Government freely acknowledges that they are involved in a long and arduous process to satisfy the competing demands and interests. Consultations with stakeholders will be a vital component in determining how the renewable energy sector develops over the next five to 10 years.

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