ScottishPower Renewables has installed 2GW of wind power in the UK, following a £650m (€738m) investment programme to build eight new onshore projects.
The company called on politicians and regulators to support the further development of onshore wind in Scotland to help meet carbon emission reduction goals and support the anticipated increase in demand to charge electric vehicles.
SPR chief executive Keith Anderson said: “If the UK government is serious about reducing carbon emissions and having enough clean power to support the huge expected growth in electric vehicles, then more onshore wind is essential.
“One new onshore wind turbine could power around 7000 electric vehicles, but we need to act now to meet growing demand.”
He added that if onshore wind was given a “level playing field” with other technologies a further 2GW could be built in Scotland by 2020.
“We have seen competitive auctions deliver huge price reductions in offshore wind, and we expect onshore prices to tumble as well,” Anderson said.
“Including onshore wind in a similar system would drive fierce competition in the industry and ultimately bring down costs for consumers.”
Image: ScottishPower Renewables
SPR clean power tops 2GW
Utility says more onshore wind is ‘essential' to meet carbon reduction goals
By EBS