Search

To promote the transition towards a low carbon economy, the Scottish Government has adopted ambitious energy-related targets, including generating all electricity from renewable sources by 2020. To achieve this, continued investment will be required across a range of sustainable technologies. Hydropower has a long history in Scotland and the present-day operational capacity of ~1.5 GW already makes a substantial contribution to the national energy budget. In addition, there remains potential for ~500 MW of further development, mostly in the form of small to medium size run-of-river schemes. Climate change is expected to lead to an intensification of the global hydrological cycle, leading to changes in both the magnitude and seasonality of river flows. There may also be indirect effects on water flows, such as changing land use, enhanced evapotranspiration rates and an increased demand for irrigation, all of which could affect the water available for energy generation. In this paper we describe Scotland׳s currently installed hydropower capacity and present a review of the scope for future development. We also review the potential impacts of climate change, highlighting possible adaptation measures as well as key factors likely to determine financial viability over the coming decades. We present a summary of the present state of knowledge regarding the resilience of Scotland׳s hydropower resource to a changing climate, and identify key areas where further research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to low-carbon energy systems is a complex process that implies radical technological changes, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and benefits to the local economies yet, also significant investment, a need for capacity building, strengthening supply chains and supporting legal frameworks. Consequently, the choice of renewable energy technologies should be based on a comprehensive assessment addressing the different dimensions that are affected. Clean energy technologies are traditionally evaluated on the basis of their techno-economic performance. Such an approach penalises emerging energy technologies that are generally more capital-intensive given their innovation requirement and the lack of support mechanisms facilitating their industrial roll-out. In this paper, a multi-criteria evaluation framework is proposed encompassing three important broad dimensions: techno-economics, environment and socio-economics. The applicability and flexibility of the proposed evaluation framework are demonstrated on different case studies. First, the hypothetical deployment of a floating offshore wind farm both in Scotland and Portugal is evaluated. Later, the proposed framework is used to evaluate the deployments of wave energy devices in the same two locations. The results show that this multi-criteria approach provides a more holistic overview of the performance and implications of renewable energy technologies, particularly emerging ones, and can better support decision- and policy-making in the medium- and long-term. Furthermore, the framework can be used by researchers, investors, developers and/or analysts to assess energy planning alternatives. • Techno-economic performance of renewable technologies is traditionally assessed. • An alternative multi-criteria evaluation framework is proposed. • A comprehensive assessment including economics, environment and socio-economics. • The proposed framework is suitable to assess emerging offshore technologies. • Offshore technologies will be instrumental for low-carbon energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Scottish Executive has set ambitious targets of achieving 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. As Scotland has the best offshore wind resources in Europe, the development of this energy source is crucial for reaching these targets. However, the development of offshore wind raises a number of issues related to economic viability, grid connection and public acceptability. This paper investigates these areas in greater depth, using a case study of the Firth of Forth offshore wind farm, in order to determine if these barriers can be overcome in time to make a valuable contribution to 2020 targets. Through interviews with relevant stakeholders, it emerged that there are various obstacles which are impeding progress in offshore wind development in Scotland. It became evident that stakeholder opposition, an inadequate renewable energy support mechanism, and the insufficient grid infrastructure off the Scottish coast are posing barriers, and hindering development. It became apparent that in order to overcome these barriers, a number of changes need to take place. A more inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement is required, which facilitates the sharing of knowledge. In order to improve the economic viability of offshore wind in Scotland, adopting a new mechanism which reduces risk and provides developers and investors with more certainty, would be more effective in encouraging offshore wind development. Finally, in order to overcome the most significant barrier, the grid, a more integrated and collaborative approach is required, which will share the burden of responsibility between the developer, Ofgem, and the National Grid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study presents an overview of the relevant evidence available up to now regarding the Scottish experience in relation to the development of community energy projects. Scotland has a relevant number of community energy projects which are generating energy, improving the quality of life of communities through sustainable initiatives. This is the result of the implementation of successful policies to encourage community energy by the Scottish government (in comparison with other countries). On the contrary, the Chilean community energy sector is still incipient, despite some interest; public policies have been focused on fostering the concept of distributed generation. Chilean community energy developments have not been analysed in any detail; this paper is a first attempt to do so, and to derive lessons from the Scottish experience that can be useful to Chilean policy makers. We summarise and analyse the Scottish and Chilean community energy sectors and their developments. We further analyse the current Chilean net billing scheme using concepts from game theory, showing that it may not be the best support mechanism for citizen-led energy production developments. Based on these analyses, we define a list of policy recommendations for Chile, which can help further development in the community energy sector. • Scotland should be recognised as a worldwide example in community energy. • Community-oriented organisations seem to be leading community energy in Scotland. • Chilean energy policies have focused on distributed generation schemes instead. • Chilean net billing scheme is not always convenient for residential consumers. • Community energy development might be a promising option for Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]