The Scottish Energy Study
Volumes 1, 2 and 3 of the Scottish Energy Study provide extensive and detailed data on the supply and use of energy in Scotland. In contrast this Volume of the study provides qualitative views on the issues, opportunities and barriers to changing how energy is used in Scotland. These views draw on interviews with key stakeholders representing the main demand sectors, as well as being informed by many reports and studies that examine specific issues.
The following list summarises the scope of each of the 5 Volumes of the Scottish Energy Study:
Volume 1 Energy in Scotland: Supply & Demand
Presenting data describing Scottish energy supply and demand in 2002, together with associated CO 2 emissions. Information is also given on how data was derived.
Volume 2 A Changing Picture
Addressing how the Scottish energy picture has changed in recent years: the results for 2002 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
Considers the many factors and key drivers that influence energy use in Scotland today. Based on this understanding Volume 4 identifies the opportunities to improve energy use within Scotland and the barriers that must be overcome if this is to be achieved.
Volume 5 Looking Forward
Considers 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.
Disclaimer
Volume 4 of the Scottish Energy Study was drafted in 2005 and the main programme of stakeholder interviews was completed at this time. Hence the stakeholder views that informed the report are now out of date. Similarly, Volume 4 uses data on energy demand for 2002 that was published in Volume 1 in early 2006.
Since then this Volume has been updated with energy statistics and other data ( e.g. population trends, economic data and transport statistics) to provide a more current view where possible.
Similarly, details of recent policy and market developments in the energy sector have been added, for example drawing on the Committee on Climate Change's 2008 report discussing the forthcoming Carbon Reduction Commitment etc.
So while some elements of this report are dated, it provides a useful overview of the issues, opportunities and barriers to reducing energy demand and hence CO 2 emissions across Scotland 4 main demand sectors.