Combining different renewable energy sources while phasing out fossil fuels is crucial for Scotland to achieve its ambitious target of reaching net zero emissions by 2045. A diverse energy portfolio enhances the resilience, reliability, and flexibility of the energy system, reducing dependency on any single resource and mitigating risks associated with variability in power generation.
Many renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are inherently intermittent. Wind speeds fluctuate, and solar power is limited by daylight and weather conditions. By combining these sources with more predictable and consistent energy supplies like hydropower and biomass, Scotland can create a balanced energy system. Hydroelectric schemes, including pumped-storage projects like Cruachan Power Station, can store energy during periods of excess supply and release it when renewable output drops. Biomass plants, such as Markinch, provide steady baseload power, helping to maintain grid stability when wind or solar output is low.
Hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen produced from renewable electricity, can play a pivotal role in storing excess energy generated from wind or solar farms. Projects like the Orkney Hydrogen Project demonstrate how renewable hydrogen can be used for energy storage, heating, and transport.
Scotland’s geography offers a unique advantage for a combination of renewable energy sources. With abundant wind resources, particularly offshore, tidal currents in places like Pentland Firth, and vast hydroelectric potential, each resource complements the other, ensuring energy generation across different conditions and locations. Tidal energy, for instance, is highly predictable, making it a dependable addition to the mix.
By diversifying renewable energy sources Scotland could, in the future decarbonise not just electricity but also heating, industry, and transportation. Heat pumps, biomass, and hydrogen provide low-carbon alternatives for sectors that are harder to electrify, accelerating the overall transition to net zero. This multi-source approach enables Scotland to build a reliable, sustainable, and low-carbon energy system capable of meeting the net zero goal by 2045.
In 2024 the UK Government announced the headquarters for the Great British Energy (GBE), a state-owned energy company will be based in Aberdeen marking a strategic move tied to the city's rich energy history and its evolving role in the UK's energy future.
The following information provides more information on the companies mentioned on the map.
Blue Hydrogen: Acorn Project, St Fergus, Aberdeenshire: The Acorn Hydrogen Project is Scotland's leading initiative for blue hydrogen production. It aims to produce hydrogen from North Sea natural gas, with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to capture the resulting emissions. https://theacornproject.uk
Green Hydrogen: Orkney Hydrogen Project, Orkney Islands: Orkney is a hub for green hydrogen innovation. The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney is producing green hydrogen using surplus renewable electricity generated from wind and tidal energy. The hydrogen is used for various purposes, including heating and transport. https://www.orkney.com/life/energy/hydrogen
Solar Power: Mackie's of Scotland's solar farm, based on its Aberdeenshire family farm, The 10-acre 1.8MW site helps with power for Mackie's to produce its ice cream and chocolate and complements its four wind turbines (total 3MW). https://www.mackies.co.uk/about-mackies/environment/
Wind Energy: Viking Energy Wind Farm, Shetland. Viking Wind Farm is a large onshore wind farm in the Shetland Islands completed in August 2024, which was developed by Viking Energy, a partnership between Shetland Islands Council and SSE plc. It has a generation capacity of 443 MW. https://www.vikingenergy.co.uk
Hydro Energy: Cruachan Power Station, Argyll and Bute: Also known as the "Hollow Mountain," this pumped-storage hydroelectric station can generate up to 440 MW of power. It is a key player in Scotland’s hydro energy sector. https://www.visitcruachan.co.uk
Geothermal Energy: The Guardbridge Energy Centre, St. Andrews: While geothermal energy is still in its early stages in Scotland, Guardbridge is an example of a project that aims to use renewable heat (including geothermal) to power St. Andrews University. Scotland is still exploring geothermal potential, particularly in old mine workings. https://www.vitalenergi.co.uk/our-work/guardbridge-energy-centre/
Nuclear Energy: Torness Nuclear Power Station, East Lothian: While not a renewable source, Torness is one of two operational nuclear power stations in Scotland. It contributes significantly to the nation's energy mix, with a capacity of about 1,200 MW. https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/power-stations/torness
Biomass Energy: Markinch Biomass Plant, Fife: One of the largest biomass power stations in the UK, the Markinch plant has a capacity of 55 MW. It uses waste wood as fuel to generate electricity and heat, and is a leading example of Scotland's biomass energy. https://uk.rwe.com/locations/markinch-chp-biomass-plant/
Tidal Energy: MeyGen Tidal Energy Project, Pentland Firth: The MeyGen project is the world's largest tidal stream energy developments. Located in the Pentland Firth, the project aims to generate up to 398 MW of power from tidal turbines. It is one of the most significant tidal energy projects globally and a leader in Scotland's marine renewable energy sector. https://saerenewables.com/tidal-stream/meygen/
Fossil Fuels: Oil and Gas Scottish Government have stated “We recognise the significant contribution which the oil and gas sector makes to our economy and our society. We are also clear that any further extraction and use of fossil fuels must be consistent with Scotland’s climate obligations and Just Transition commitments. John Swinney has also noted North Sea oil and gas would still be needed "for a period of time" for Scotland's transition to net zero in June 2024. https://www.gov.scot/policies/oil-and-gas/