Scotland must more than triple its installed capacity of offshore wind, onshore wind, and solar power by 2035 to stay on track with its climate targets, the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) said in new advice to the Scottish Government.
The CCC said renewable capacity should grow from 15 gigawatts in 2023 to 49GW by 2035, reaching 66GW by 2045. This level of expansion would provide 98% of Scotland’s electricity generation by 2035 and help meet rising demand in both Scotland and the wider British grid.
The recommendations are part of the CCC’s advice on Scotland’s four carbon budgets, covering the period from 2026 to 2045. This is the first time the Scottish Government has requested such advice, although similar models are already used by the UK Government, the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Welsh Parliament.
Among its key recommendations, the CCC urged the UK Government to reduce electricity costs by removing policy-related levies from power bills. The Committee said coordinated action between the Scottish and UK Governments is necessary to ensure Scotland can meet its emissions reduction goals.
“The Scottish Government should work with Whitehall to ensure it happens, as it will impact Scotland’s ability to decarbonise at the pace it has set itself,” the CCC said.
Morag Watson, director of onshore wind at trade body Scottish Renewables, said the CCC’s findings underline the urgency of accelerating the energy transition.
“The advice from the Climate Change Committee makes it clear that Scotland cannot deliver a balanced and credible route to meeting its climate ambitions without accelerating the delivery of renewable energy, new electricity network infrastructure and clean heat solutions,” Watson said.
With a revised Heat in Buildings Bill expected soon, Watson urged the Scottish Government to prioritise practical and accessible policies for decarbonising heat. “A clear, deliverable strategy for heat decarbonisation must prioritise the role of cost-effective heat networks and ensure all funding schemes are easy to navigate for consumers and suppliers,” she said.
Watson added that unlocking Scotland’s renewable energy resources could deliver both environmental and economic benefits. “Not only will this tackle climate change and fuel poverty but enable long-term prosperity through new economic opportunities and energy security,” she said. “We call on ministers to act now to realise the ambitious but credible route to decarbonisation outlined today.
