Solar Energy Scotland
10 January 2023
Solar power is set to take its rightful place in Scotland’s energy system, under a strategy put forward by the Scottish Government today.[1]
The Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan says that there is a “significant appetite for greater solar deployment in Scotland.” It cites the 767 megawatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the current deployment pipeline, far more than the 411MW of systems operating now.
“We want to look at increasing that,” said Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson MSP, launching the paper in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.[2]
Thomas McMillan, who chairs trade body Solar Energy Scotland, said: “While the Scottish Government has not immediately accepted the solar industry’s call to reach 4-6 gigawatts by 2030, as called for by MSPs across the political spectrum last year, the sector considers the firm commitment towards setting a target as a major step forward, and we warmly welcome the strategy published today.”
“Strong, stretching but ultimately deliverable targets: that is the last piece of the jigsaw to support more rapid deployment of solar power. Harnessing more of the sun’s rays –one of the cheapest and greenest sources of energy known to humanity – is exactly what Scotland needs to help combat the energy price crisis,” he added.
The paper seeks views on what the nation’s ambition should be. This is in line with setting new objectives for wind power and marine renewables.
In Scottish Parliament, Stephanie Callaghan MSP asked why further consultation was merited. Matheson replied that the Scottish Government wanted to discussions with the sector, “to understand what the most appropriate target would be”.
McMillan added: “The rapid growth of the onshore and offshore wind industries have in part been driven by having official targets, which provide support for the sector and confidence to invest in the supply chain. The solar industry expects that having its own target should have a similarly positive impact. It currently accounts for only a fraction of Scotland’s 13.6GW of renewable generation capacity, which is dominated by wind.
“Where Scotland stands now is in profound contrast to comparable nations. Denmark has around 2.3GW of solar generation capacity and expects to add another 1.3GW by the end of the year – making it the eighth largest market for solar power in Europe.[3] This stands to prove that a Scottish Government target of up to 6GW by 2030 is well within achievable bounds”
“An important role to play’
The strategy says that, “We recognise solar has an important role to play in decarbonising our energy system, particularly when combined with other renewables. We see a strong role for solar thermal, as well as domestic and commercial solar PV combined with battery storage systems – which have the potential to help reduce consumer bills.”
It adds that that a “final solar vision” will emerge later this year. Meanwhile, “We will support the sector to minimise barriers to deployment wherever possible and continue to provide support through our renewable support schemes.”
The vision would alongside Westminster’s plan for the UK to reach a total of 70 gigawatts by 2035, established in April’s British Energy Security Strategy.[3] UK capacity stands at an estimated 15.5GW.
The trade body anticipates that 6GW could be reached through a combination of 3.5GW of ground-mounted utility-scale installations, 1GW on commercial-scale rooftops and 1.5GW mounted on homes.
The acceptance of a need to set a target is the culmination of rising attention given to solar energy in Holyrood lately.
Just before the Scottish Parliament rose for its Christmas break, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that solar power can, “without a without a shadow of a doubt, make a very significant contribution to both the decarbonisation of our energy supply and the just transition that we need to make to a net zero emissions society by 2045.”[4]
In November, Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, Richard Lochhead MSP said that solar energy “has an important role in continuing to decarbonise our heat and electricity supply” and promised to “actively enable” its growth.[5]
Shortly beforehand, a cross-party group of MSPs called for a target of 4-6GW of solar generation by 2030.[6] Among them was former energy minister Fergus Ewing MSP.
Only a month ago, non-domestic rates relief for solar systems was included in the Scottish Government’s budget.[7] A consultation on lifting the need to obtain planning permission for larger solar installations on non-domestic buildings is expected early this year.[8]
[1] Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan
[2] Meeting of the Parliament, 10 January 2023
[3] British Energy Security Strategy
[4] Solar industry welcomes First Minister’s comments on solar target
[5] Scottish Government promises ‘renewed focus’ on solar power
[6] Cross-party MSPs jointly call for solar target
[7] Scotland’s solar industry welcomes tax incentives
[8] Scotland set to reform planning rules for solar energy
– ENDS –
Editor’s notes:
Solar Energy Scotland is the trusted industry trade body for solar energy in Scotland.
Alongside Solar Energy UK, we represent the entire solar and energy storage value chain. Solar Energy UK and Solar Energy Scotland are funded largely by our membership and represent a thriving member-led community of over 300+ businesses and associates, of which over 50 are based in Scotland. Our members range from ambitious and innovative SMEs to global brands.
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser | gsimkins@solarenergyuk.org
news@solarenergyuk.org | solarenergyuk.org
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Gareth Simkins
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