A NEW map has been drawn up which reveals the scale and progress of Scotland’s renewable energy projects.
The interactive guide, published by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe), shows information on different developments and their status which can be filtered through parliamentary regions.
According to the map, onshore wind projects currently generate the most power in Scotland – accounting for 8.82k megawatts (MW) That’s followed by offshore wind at 1.91k MW, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, which accounts for 740 MW and large hydro projects at 422.6 MW.
Offshore wind projects under construction will generate another 2.42k MW of power, with onshore wind projects being built generating 1.56k MW.
Onshore wind developments also make up the bulk of projects which have been refused planning permission, followed by solar panels.
The data is based on the Renewable Energy Planning Database published by the then UK Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and tracks the progress of UK renewable electricity projects over 150 kilowatts (kW) through the planning system.
In a blog, SPICe said: “It provides as accurate and comprehensive a snapshot as possible of projects, and of progress across the different technology sectors.”
It comes as a new report from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) found that up to £90 billion of investment in green industries is coming to Scotland from projects currently under way or starting in the next three years.
Energy transition has the highest levels of investment - accounting for £58.5 billion - and renewable electricity generation from offshore wind makes up the majority of that spend.
Commenting on the SDS report, SNP MSP for Glasgow Provan Ivan McKee said: “Today’s report reveals the real transformation happening in Scotland, with huge advancements in vital infrastructure and adaptation of our workforce to facilitate a just transition to net zero.
“This is a hugely significant investment in Scotland’s green energy future. The continued growth in public and private backing for a just transition has been nothing short of astonishing and is yet further evidence of what is possible under an SNP government that stands firm in its resolve to tackle climate change, unlike the Tory government at Westminster.
“The SNP Scottish Government is leading the way, with the First Minister representing Scotland’s leading role at COP28 this week and a new Green Industrial Strategy in the works as yet further progress towards achieving our ambitious goal of net zero by 2045.
“Scotland is already an international leader – imagine what would be possible with the full powers of independence.”
