Ministers must listen to the public and make plans for a fully renewable energy industry says WWF Scotland
The majority of Scots think the country could and should become Europe’s first fully renewable nation.
A poll conducted by WWF Scotland found that 61% of the Scottish public would like to see a Scotland that generates all of its electricity from our abundant renewable resources.
The charity is encouraging Scottish ministers to embrace that vision and help make it a reality.
Later this week, the Scottish Government will publish a programme for the year ahead and it is widely expected to include plans to develop a new energy strategy for the country.
It’s fantastic to see that the majority of the public believe that all of our nation’s electricity should be generated from pollution-free renewables
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “It’s fantastic to see that the majority of the Scottish public support the view that all of our nation’s electricity should be generated from pollution-free renewables.
“Given the positive progress Scotland has made already, it’s not surprising that the public should think even more should be made of our country’s abundant renewable resources.
“Independent analysis has shown that our electricity system could be powered almost entirely by renewables within two decades without the need for any gas, coal or nuclear power in Scotland. The analysis also shows that Scotland would maintain security of supply and its position as an electricity-exporting nation.
“The Scottish Government’s forthcoming energy strategy provides the perfect opportunity to set out a bold vision of becoming the EU’s first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030. Embracing such a vision would ensure that we secure the maximum economic and social benefits that would come from a transition toward a zero-carbon society.”
Karen Robinson of WeatherEnergy, which promotes and provides data on the renewables sector, said: “Last month, for the first time, our data showed that wind turbines generated output equivalent to more that all of Scotland’s electricity needs for a single day. Meanwhile in Shetland, in a world first, electricity flowed to the grid from a tidal power array.
“Whether it’s wind, tidal or solar, Scotland is making positive steps on renewables each and every day. It’s amazing to think what Scotland might achieve with renewables in the future.”
