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Anaerobic digestion of biomass, often from
agricultural ‘wastes’ such as slurry, captures
the methane which when burnt produces relatively
less damaging carbon dioxide and water. The
residue is environmentally benign and can be
used as a soil conditioner and nitrogenous
fertiliser, replacing artificial inputs. The use
of biomass for energy where otherwise it would
be left to decompose reduces greenhouse gas
emissions, and safeguards against water
pollution threats.
The environmental benefits from biomass
are numerous and significant.
The environmental benefits from biomass are
numerous and significant. We believe that there
is a significant opportunity, especially in the
wake of CAP Reform, to further develop biomass
as a renewable energy option in Scotland.
Where sensibly sited, and so long as the
transport of fuel is minimised, any adverse
effect from the location of biomass power
stations will be less than the landscape effect
of large-scale wind farm proposals. Biomass
plants do not have to be located in exposed
positions and are ideally suited to small and
medium scale combined heat and power (CHP)
production units.
Biomass is both carbon saving and secure and
sustainable in supply. In addition, there would
be significant benefits for the local economy,
whilst having minimal adverse impact on both the
local environment and landscape.
Hydro-electric generation is synonymous
with particularly low life-cycle carbon
emissions. Equally, the capital costs of hydro
projects have traditionally been high, whilst
the running costs are low. Dams and reservoirs,
especially in the upland regions of Scotland
that have the best locations for water storage,
can have significant effects on the landscape.
Well-designed schemes can mitigate damaging
effects on fisheries, and other environmental
concerns. Hydro-electric schemes can also be
used to manage river flows downstream,
potentially reducing flooding risks, and can
through the provision of riparian habitats bring
compensating benefits to habitats. Small-scale
hydro-electric power offers benefits without
many of these environmental costs, and given
that hydro-electric power is already technically
mature and widely deployed in Scotland, in the
right place and at the right scale clearly hydro
powered electricity generation has an important
role to play.
Solar power has its own role to play in
the matrix of renewable energy generation in
Scotland. Whilst Scotland is not blessed with
year round sunshine, solar power systems do have
very low emissions and are becoming more
efficient.
Thermal solar units are becoming relatively
cheap to install and more reliable. When fitted
to new properties they represent good value for
money and could reduce bills for tenants when
fitted to new affordable housing properties.
Solar electricity is clean, quiet and reliable,
but the electricity produced is not cheap and
the emissions entailed in the lifecycle of
generation are often higher than some other
renewables.
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Wind in Scotland is a widespread and
plentiful resource, especially in the north and
west. However, wind can only generate
electricity and only when the wind is blowing,
rather than to meet demand. Wind speeds may be
low across much of the country at times of
particularly high or low climatic temperatures.
This is perhaps indicative of the fact that the
best wind resources are located far from the
growing market demand.
Transmission losses from wind power through the
grid and the need for back up capacity mean that
current figures almost certainly underestimate
the costs and overstate the carbon saving
benefits generated by wind power in practice.
Proposals for large-scale wind farms now
engender strong opposition, particularly because
the turbines are now up to 100 metres high and
must be spaced over a considerable area.
Development of wind farms has relied on
relatively high wind speeds, which are closely
associated with protected landscapes or
mountains, moorland and coastlines. The
economies of these areas are heavily reliant on
tourism. Many tourists do not regard wind farms
as a reason to visit an area and see them as a
detraction. When accompanied by electricity
power lines, the overall effect on the
attractiveness of an area is unlikely to be
positive.
Key Issues for Renewable Energy
development in Scotland’s rural
landscape:
There is a wide range of potential and existing
sources of renewable energy in Scotland, and the
debate should not focus exclusively on wind
turbines.
Renewable energy has the potential to enhance
rural development, and provide diversification
and opportunities for many land-based businesses
(including farming and forestry).
In addition to setting targets, the Scottish
Executive must set out a strategic approach in
which renewable energy development employs the
most appropriate source for the locality,
safeguarding landscapes and habitats whilst
providing commercial opportunities.
Key to this is an infrastructure to marry
supplies with demand, and greater consideration
needs to be given to this requirement.
A more pragmatic approach to renewable energy,
to include the type, technology and scale of
development, is definitely required.
There must be the development of an energy
use/demand reduction strategy as part of an
integrated renewable energy policy.
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