Empowering Communities for Scotland's Net Zero Energy Future
Key Ideas
- Scotland has doubled its onshore renewable electricity capacity in the past decade, showcasing the importance of clean electricity for the future energy system.
- The onshore renewables sector in Scotland supports over 28,700 full-time equivalent jobs and contributes £2.8 billion to the economy, with potential for further growth in the onshore wind sector.
- Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits from Onshore Renewable Energy Developments emphasize community involvement and tailored benefit packages, aligning with Scotland's renewable energy ambitions.
- The Onshore Wind Sector Deal in Scotland includes commitments to engage communities early, ensure binding community benefit agreements, and support community shared ownership models for onshore wind projects.
Scotland's onshore net zero energy landscape is flourishing with resources like onshore wind, solar, battery energy storage, and a growing renewable hydrogen sector. By July 2024, Scotland had 12.1 GW of onshore renewable capacity, capable of powering 12 million homes annually. The onshore renewables sector not only generates clean electricity but also contributes significantly to the economy, supporting over 28,700 full-time jobs and £2.8 billion in Gross Value Added. The Good Practice Principles for Community Benefits ensure that local communities benefit from renewable energy projects, with a focus on transparent and meaningful engagement. The Onshore Wind Sector Deal in Scotland aims to grow onshore wind capacity to 20 GW by 2030, with commitments to enhance community benefits and support shared ownership models. The consultation seeks input on updating the Good Practice Principles to align with evolving energy technologies like energy storage and hydrogen electrolysers, shaping a sustainable future for Scotland's energy mix.