BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
The Scottish Energy Study is the first major study of energy supply and demand to be conducted in Scotland for nearly 15 years.
The aim is to supply the Scottish Executive with an understanding of the present energy situation, the factors that influence it and how it might change. This can then be used to develop an appreciation of the opportunities open to Scotland, in the context of a drive for the more sustainable use of energy, and what needs to be done to secure success. The study focuses on initiatives that will succeed at the Scottish level, and so can capitalise on and develop Scotland's natural resources and industrial capability, along with the skills of its workforce.
The study has been conducted in a number of stages, each of which will be published as separate volumes. These will cover:
Volume 1 Energy in Scotland: Supply & Demand
Presenting data describing Scottish energy supply and demand, together with associated CO2 emissions. Information is also given on how the data were derived.
Volume 2 A Changing Picture
Addressing how the Scottish energy picture has changed in recent years: the results derived in Volume 1 are compared with the findings of an earlier study based on 1990 data.
Volume 3 Energy Demand Database
A brief guide to an energy database: summarising Scottish energy use by sector.
Volume 4 Issues, Opportunities and Barriers
Considering the many factors that influence energy use in Scotland today. This volume considers key drivers. Based on this understanding it identifies the opportunities to improve energy use within Scotland and the barriers which must be overcome if this is to be achieved.
Volume 5 Looking Forward
Considering how Scotland's energy use could change in the medium term to 2020, using projections of demand and supply informed by different scenarios that will influence energy use in the future.
The first two of these volumes have now been published. The information contained therein is summarised in this document.