UK dependence on fossil fuel imports could increase

Significance

Labour’s renewable energy plans are more ambitious than those of the previous Conservative government. They focus on doubling onshore wind, trebling solar and quadrupling offshore wind capacity by 2030. Moreover, Labour will not offer new licences for fossil fuel exploration.

Impacts

• Faster progress towards full power sector decarbonisation will increase the need for grid investment and long-duration storage.
• Accelerated oil and gas sector decline will weigh heavily on the Scottish economy.
• Offshore wind may suffer from the rejuvenation of the onshore sector and solar power deployment.