The Scottish Government has released its vision for Scotland’s electricity and gas networks. Scotland’s electricity and gas networks: vision to 2030 document looks at the ways in which Scotland’s electricity and gas network infrastructure will continue to support the energy transition. Key points include supporting: An inclusive transition to a decarbonised energy system; A whole system approach across heat, transport and electricity, and Smarter, local energy models. The document describes the part networks must play in meeting the target from Scotland’s 2017 energy strategy of supplying half of the country’s energy needs across power, heat and transport from renewable sources by the end of the next decade. Speaking in the foreword, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands said: “Our vision for the networks highlights the growing complexity, technical challenges, structural changes and new technologies that together have the potential to fundamentally alter the relationship between consumers and the networks. It also shows the unique opportunity that exists in Scotland to lead the development of networks that are fit for the 21st Century, enabling and sustaining a truly low carbon economy – for example, through Scottish Government’s role in the planning and consenting of new energy infrastructure in Scotland. Scottish Power Networks said “As new technologies like electric vehicles or smart hybrid heating systems are chosen, the networks are already changing the way they manage the system. We back the Scottish Government’s vision for a low carbon gas network with roles for hydrogen and biomethane along with a smart, flexible electricity network to provide the best service for the public.”
Network 14th March 2019 read more »
The ability to deliver low carbon gases, including hydrogen, through the gas networks represents one option for the future of low carbon heat provision, and for transport as a fuel for road, rail and shipping. Repurposing the gas network in this way would allow us to continue using the flexibility and reach that the gas network provides. In the years ahead we propose to explore further opportunities for the generation of low carbon hydrogen, and the use of the gas networks for its distribution and storage.
Scottish Government 12th March 2019 read more »
