Scotland announces first Energy Strategy

Scotland has set a target to produce at least half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. The country’s first official Energy Strategy, announced yesterday, also outlines a goal […]

Scotland has set a target to produce at least half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

The country’s first official Energy Strategy, announced yesterday, also outlines a goal to improve national energy productivity by at least 30% by the same date.

It says it will achieve this by investing around £80 million in the energy sector – £60 million of this will be spent on low carbon innovation, with the other £20 million to be invested in energy infrastructure.

This money will be used to drive development of offshore wind in deep waters, encourage the rollout of electric vehicles and associated infrastructure and increase support for other onshore renewables.

The Scottish Government confirmed plans for a publicly owned energy company, with the aim of tackling fuel poverty and boosting economic development, as well as saying it would publish energy statistics and progress reports on an annual basis.

Scottish Business, Energy and Innovation Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, said: “This strategy recognises and builds on our achievements to date and on Scotland’s capacity for innovation.

“We want to make sure, within the scope of our devolved powers, good stewardship of Scotland’s energy sector – something we have called the UK government to step up to for years.”

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