Energy policy of Scotland

Energy is a matter that has been specifically reserved to the UK parliament under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998 that created the devolved Scottish Parliament. [ [http://www.parliament.uk/commons/lib/research/rp2003/rp03-084.pdf House of Commons Library Research Paper 03/84] p21] However, since planning is a matter that has been devolved, the Scottish government has the ability to shape the direction of energy generation in Scotland by approving or refusing new projects.

In 2004, the Enterprise Committee of the Scottish Parliament called for the development of a 'fully fledged' Scottish energy policy [ [http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/nmCentre/news/news-comm-04/cent04-005.htm Scottish Parliament Committee News Release June 30 2004] ]

The SNP Government that took power in May 2007 specifically included the word 'energy' in a portfolio title when the junior ministerial position of Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism was created to replace the position of 'Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning'.

Overview

Scotland has a mix of energy sources and is a net exporter of energy at a time when the United Kingdom as a whole is heading towards becoming a net importer.

Renewable energy in Scotland

"see main article Renewable energy in Scotland"

In 2003, the then Scottish Executive set a target of Scotland producing 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. [ [http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/03/16850/20554 Securing a Renewable Future] March 25, 2003]

Nuclear power

When the UK Government announced an energy review in early 2006, the Scottish National Party (SNP) and others made clear their view that Scotland did not need new nuclear power stations. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4634878.stm Call to halt nuclear power plans] BBC January 23, 2006] . By January 2008, when the UK Government gave the go-ahead for a new generation of nuclear power stations to be built across the UK, the SNP formed the Scottish Government and First Minister Alex Salmond made clear there was "no chance" of more nuclear power stations being built in Scotland. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7179579.stm New nuclear plants get go-ahead] ] The Government's stance was backed by the Scottish Parliament which voted 63-58 to support the Scottish Government's policy of opposing new nuclear power stations. [ [http://news.scotsman.com/nuclearenergy/MSPs-vote-No-to-new.3686900.jp MSPs vote No to new nuclear stations] The Scotsman January 18 2008]

References

ee also

* North sea oil
* Nuclear power in Scotland
* Renewable energy in Scotland