Scotland is currently poised to pave the way as a pioneer in renewable energy. Because hydrocarbons like coal, gas, and oil cause so much harm to the environment, climate change is compelling us to change our ways.
Scotland has enormous potential for renewable energy, which may both meet domestic need and be exported. The largest licensing round for floating offshore wind energy in the world, with a potential output of 27.6 gigawatts, has already begun in Scotland (GW). With the “ScotWind” initiative, Scotland might become a global leader in the generation of hydrogen, which can be used in fuel cells to produce electricity or to power and heat buildings. In addition to being a portable energy source, hydrogen has enormous promise in most home and commercial sectors, including transportation. Hydrogen is anticipated to eventually power automobiles, trucks, buses, airplanes, trains, and ships.
Scotland now has a new hydrogen action plan that details how to support the developing hydrogen industry and fulfill a goal of producing 5 GW of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. By 2030, this will be the equivalent of a sixth of Scotland’s energy requirements.
The strategy reiterates the achievable goal of producing 25 GW by 2045, with a hydrogen economy having the ability to support over 300,000 employment.
Significant imports of hydrogen will be necessary for Europe’s energy transformation, and because Scotland is just 700–750 km from the beaches of the Netherlands and Germany, there are strong chances for quicker shipping and less expensive transportation than from other sites. There is great potential for direct supply by pipeline from Scotland to continental Europe in addition to hydrogen export by ship.
Scotland is well positioned to manufacture hydrogen as well as grow as a hub for energy technologies, infrastructure, and expertise. Scotland is a natural northern European powerhouse for hydrogen and renewable energy in general due to its physical location. The Scottish Government meets with federal, state, and energy industry representatives in Germany almost every day.
Scotland needs to seize the new era of renewable energy with both hands. Being endowed with so much potential is a blessing. It will aid in the transformation of our society and economy and aid in the fight against global warming.
