Scotland's First Energy Strategy: The Future of Energy in Scotland

16th January 2018

The Scottish Government released their first Energy Strategy on 20 December 2017. The strategy focuses on Scotland by the year 2050 being a leading nation with a competitive energy sector delivering secure, affordable, clean energy options to Scottish businesses and communities.
 
The strategy is long-term (to the year 2050), with two scenarios produced which provide an indication of how the Scottish Energy sector may look in the future; an Electric Future and a Hydrogen Future. It is then broken down into medium-term targets for 2030; these targets will be reported on annually by the Scottish Government.
 
Three core principles running through-out the strategy are

• a whole-systems approach
• an inclusive energy transition
• production of smarter local energy models

 
Two key targets for the year 2030 include:

• 50% of Scottish energy consumption (heat, transport and electricity) will be from renewable sources
• Increase of 30% productivity for energy use in the Scottish economy

 
Six Strategic Priorities which will be the focus of this transition include:

• Consumer engagement and protection
• Energy efficiency
• System security and flexibility
• Innovative local energy systems
• Renewable and low carbon solutions
• Building on the oil/gas industry strengths

The role of the FHE sector is covered mainly in the ‘Developing Necessary Skills’ section of the Strategy, calling upon Scottish universities and colleges to remain responsive to providing graduates with the skills needed to help Scotland transition to a low carbon energy system. FHE engagement will also be needed in the form of research capacity, which will provide support for emerging energy opportunities which could shape the future of the energy sector. An important function for providing Scotland with skilled and educated graduates comes from collaboration between employers, colleges, universities and other partners.
 
This collaborative approach is emphasised through the whole-system approach to involve more partnerships between public, private and community sectors. These collaborations are touched upon in ‘Cultivating Regional Partnerships’ section, which involves partnerships between local authorities, enterprise, private sector and FHE sector to help create coherent regional economic strategies and plans.
 
If you would like to get in touch about the Scotland Energy Strategy please contact the EAUC-Scotland Office here.