Taking pride in positive effect renewables are having on communities – even during global pandemic
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By Nick Sharpe, director of communications and strategy, Scottish Renewables
Scotland’s renewable energy industry is one to be proud off.
The country has some of the most ambitious climate-change targets in the world, with the Scottish Government setting a net-zero by 2045 target.
With more than 11GW of renewable energy capacity installed since 2009, millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide are displaced every year.
New statistics released in March show that renewable energy sources now generate the equivalent of 90 per cent of Scotland’s electricity consumption – an increase of 14 per cent from the previous year.
And with offshore and onshore wind once again able to compete in the energy market, the target of 100 per cent by 2020 could still be met through this growth in generation, alongside contributions from other technologies like solar, tidal power and hydro.
It is not only on an environmental level that the country has benefited from renewable energy.
It is imperative that we acknowledge and celebrate all the fantastic work being done within the industry, and the people behind it
The industry has had an incredible socio-economic impact on many communities up and down the country, creating jobs and investment in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.
As we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic, these communities are once again benefiting from renewable energy – in a more personal way than ever before.
Wind farm community funds are being used to support families and help the vulnerable as the economic impact of the coronavirus becomes apparent.
The money – part of a £20 million a year community benefit pot paid by wind farm developers to communities in Scotland every year – is usually spent on local projects.
But a growing number of groups are now repurposing the funding to support those in hardship because of the ongoing health emergency.
On the Isle of Lewis, community wind farm charity Point and Sandwick Trust has announced it will use all its free cash for this year to set up a pandemic support fund for the local community, and the Coigach Community Development Company has opened a crisis fund to support families with basic household expenses.
It is imperative that we acknowledge and celebrate all the fantastic work being done within the industry, and the people behind it.
That’s why we have committed to holding the 2020 Young Professionals Green Energy Awards.
And though we can't bring people together in person, it is important that we continue to recognise the achievements and ambition of our future industry leaders and celebrate those who will be driving the evolution of Scotland’s energy system.
With coronavirus changing the world of work, we’re all getting used to new ways of being together: on Microsoft Teams, Skype, WhatsApp and Zoom, and social media has never been more vital in keeping us connected.
So why shouldn’t we celebrate this year’s crop of winners in the same way?
This year we are delighted to announce the Young Professionals in Green Energy Awards Week.
Beginning on Monday, June 15, we will recognise the shortlisted candidates and announce winners via our networks.
Join us on Twitter (@ScotRenew) from June 15 to 19 as we reward those who have achieved beyond all expectations, those who are pioneering new ideas and who have the drive and ambition to change the renewable energy industry for the better.
