The potential for renewable energy in Scotland

SSE broadly supports the position taken by the industry representative body, Scottish Renewables.

There is no doubt that Scotland has a clear comparative advantage in renewable energy that amounts to a major European resource. We are blessed with this abundance of clean energy, and it is technically feasible to harness it not only to meet the equivalent of Scotland's entire electricity needs, but as part of a wider electricity system, to export significant volumes to other countries.

Renewable energy is also providing opportunities for businesses and investors and the economic opportunity for Scotland should not be missed. The complex energy environment picture that we all have to work on should not become undermined or any debate overtly polarised, particularly given the broad cross party support for shifting Scotland towards a low carbon economy as rapidly as possible.

Since devolution in 1999 significant progress has been made in delivering more renewable energy and the foundations of a low carbon economy in Scotland have been laid. Renewable energy output has increased significantly, there is strong climate change legislation and an emerging programme to deliver the country’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020.

The primary challenge for all MSPs in the Parliament, will be to ensure that the policy framework leads to positive action: attracting the investment that will be necessary and delivering the jobs and skills for the future.

SSE is Scotland’s leading renewable energy producer, developer and a major employer, with over 20,000 employees and over 10 million customers accounts across the UK. In the teeth of a recession, SSE has increased its workforce by 1500 in Scotland in the last two years, and is aiming to invest over £3bn in renewables and related infrastructure in Scotland in the five years between 2008 and 2013.

I look forward to working with all political parties in the next term of parliament.

Ian Marchant
CEO