Scotland set a goal in 2011 to reach 100% clean electricity consumption by 2020. Though they haven’t reached it by 2020, in the year 2021 the clean energy consumption was 98.6%. It is the amount of electricity consumed from renewable energy sources according to the Scottish government’s December energy statement.
Scotland, which is working to achieve net-zero by 2045 – a legally binding target – has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world. BBC highlighted, “In 2019, Scotland met 90.1% of its equivalent electricity consumption from renewables, according to Scottish government figures. The 100% target was set in 2011 when renewable technologies generated just 37% of national demand.”
In 2020, around 61.8% of electricity consumed was from renewable energy resources. Compared to 2019, there was a 1.9TWh increase, mainly due to hydro and wind energy. Cabinet secretary for net-zero, energy, and transport Michael Matheson said, “Scotland is leading the way internationally with our commitment to being net-zero by 2045. This statement shows we are continuing to make good progress with the equivalent of 98.6% of gross electricity consumption being from renewable sources in 2020, which is up from 89.8% in 2019. Whilst we do have many challenges ahead of us if we are going to meet our ambitious targets, we have laid the groundwork in 2021 for Scotland to take important leaps forward towards net zero.”
Hydrogen action plan
During the COP26 discussion, Scotland proposed its Hydrogen action plan for the next five years. As a part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they will implement hydrogen economy development in the country. This will also ensure the country’s transition to relying on renewable energy resources for energy consumption.
Scotland is one of those countries which had aggressive goals towards renewable energy and is showing positive numbers almost as per their plans. They have an interim target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030. It doesn’t stop with transforming the automotive industry to an electric vehicle or by ensuring electricity consumption is using renewable energy. Their route map to achieve zero net carbon shows much more. It involves the skills and training of people to get involved in green industries like low-carbon manufacturing, renewables, and tech. Also means there is job security for those people in these industries. Building homes that are efficient and apt towards achieving the country’s goals. Finally, it shouldn’t mean the costs are not affordable, every citizen must be able to afford it like the current energies that are being used. Despite being a small country, they are showing that transition is possible.
