Scottish Chambers of Commerce calls for 50 year energy strategy

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has called for the next Scottish Government to work in partnership with its UK counterpart to develop a 50 year strategy for the future of the country’s energy supply.

SCC also called for greater support for small-scale energy generation and energy saving measures in commercial property, as well as investment in energy storage.

The call follows a U-turn from the UK Government over renewable energy support, with the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) choosing to end the Renewable Obligation for onshore wind a year early.

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Liz Cameron, chief executive of SCC, said: “From a strategic point of view, it is vital that Scotland, and indeed the United Kingdom, develops a coherent energy plan for the future over a 50 year period.

“That level of forward planning is essential if businesses are to have the confidence to make investment decisions and would put an end to recent uncertainty in the sector due to fundamental changes in policy such as the UK Government’s decision to shift the goalposts on renewable energy policy following the 2015 General Election.”

Cameron said the energy storage market is worth an estimated £1.5bn, with the potential to create 5,500 new jobs. The SCC’s Sustaining Growth, Supporting Business campaign says Scotland has the potential to become a world leader in energy storage.

She said: “Scotland already has a significant installed capacity of wind energy infrastructure but the future of this industry will be dictated by the development of new technologies to store excess electricity production for use at times of peak demand. 

She added: “The next Scottish Government will have a role to play in this agenda with its responsibilities for renewable energy, planning policy and a range of business taxes.  It can help to create a better environment for investment in energy solutions, including small scale energy generation and energy saving methods in commercial properties.”