Onshore wind has been the world's fastest growing renewable energy source since 2003. This technology is now established as a mature, clean source of energy, playing a vital role in energy production across Scotland.
By the end of 2009 there was just over 3.5GW of installed renewable technology capacity installed in Scotland with almost 2GW of this being onshore wind. Electricity generated from renewable sources in the UK in 2009 represented 6.7% of total UK electricity generation, up from 5.6% in 2008.
The installed capacity of onshore wind farms is greater than any other renewable energy source in Scotland and with built capacity set to treble over the next few years the task of reaching Scotland’s target of 80 per cent renewable electricity by 2020 rests predominately on the shoulders of this sector.
The renewables industry prides itself on maintaining a responsible reputation; delivering crucial carbon cuts whilst minimising environmental impacts, with a typical 2.4MW turbine offsetting approximately 2700 tonnes of CO2 a year the role of this technology in our fight to prevent global climate change is clear.
While this sector has seen steady growth, it faces a multitude of tough challenges ahead if it is to continue delivering the bulk of Scotland’s renewable energy generation. As the areas of least constraint decrease, development needs to adapt to find the best way of achieving acceptable design in more sensitive environments.
Scottish Renewables, on behalf of our members, are working closely with the Scottish Government Renewables Policy team, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and other key decision makers and stakeholders to maximise onshore wind development and maintain and sustainable the onshore wind industry in Scotland.
The following points indicate our core objectives to realising this goal. Scottish Renewables is working with public and private sector stakeholders to promote:
- Better regulation
- Improved grid access
- Stable financial incentives
