Renewable and low carbon energy will provide the foundation of our future energy system, offering Scotland a huge opportunity for economic and industrial growth.
We are promoting and exploring the potential of Scotland's renewable energy resource and its ability to meet our local and national heat, transport and electricity needs, while also contributing to meeting our ambitious emissions reduction targets.
By 2030 we aim to generate the equivalent of 50% of Scotland's overall energy consumption from renewable sources, and by 2045 we aim to have decarbonised our energy system almost completely.
Actions
We are supporting low-carbon energy by:
- supporting the development of the hydrogen sector and carbon capture and storage (CCS) through the Emerging Energy Technologies Fund (EETF)
- promoting the development of onshore wind in Scotland and across the UK
- working with partners to realise offshore wind opportunities
- supporting the marine energy sector
- supporting the development of Battery Energy Storage Systems
- making it easier to invest in local and small-scale renewables
- supporting communities to realise benefits from renewable developments near them
- encouraging deployment of heat networks through regulation and support for sector growth
- developing a bioenergy action plan through research and working with partners
- investing in the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP)
- leading the low carbon transport transition by promoting the use of ultra low emission vehicles and removing barriers to their use
- supporting six islands to become carbon neutral by 2040
- exploring the potential for geothermal energy in Scotland
- obliging suppliers to source more electricity from renewable sources via the renewables obligation
- driving forward the hydrogen economy, amplifying decarbonisation and ensuring businesses and communities benefit through the work of the Scottish Hydrogen Industry Forum
Background
Scotland’s long-term climate change targets will require the near-complete decarbonisation of our energy system by 2045, with renewable energy meeting a significant share of our needs. Our climate targets were the first in the world to be set in law.
Scotland has already started a transition to renewables – a record 37.9 TWh of renewable electricity was generated in 2024. We have already seen substantial decreases in emissions from electricity generation as a result. The emissions from energy generation have reduced from 14.7 MtCO2e in 1990 to 1.0 MtCO2e in 2023 (93.4% reduction).
Scotland is a net exporter of clean energy and has plans to transform its energy system in line with our statutory target of net zero emissions by 2045. To achieve this, we must grow Scotland’s already significant renewable electricity generation capacity and invest in infrastructure to store, transmit and use the energy effectively. It also means ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are shared fairly across Scotland’s communities and workforce.
Bills and legislation
Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009
Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019
Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2024
Contact
Directorate for Energy and Climate Change Business management unit: DLECONPDECCOTM@gov.scot
Phone: 0131 244 4000
Post:
Scottish Government
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LU