When Scots go to the polls on 18.09.14 to decide whether to become independent from the UK, one of the deciding factors could be energy.
Wind and waves belong to Scotland even more than kilts and bagpipes. The country's wild weather may be a bit of turn-off for tourists, but as far as electricity goes, the Scots realized long ago that wind and waves can be an advantage. While offshore wind is also developing at top speed, marine energy, both tidal and wave-generated, are another element in the country's climate-friendly future energy mix.
The Scottish government, based in Edinburgh, has given massive support to the development of renewable energy technology. Scotland plans to provide 100 percent of its own power from renewables by 2020. It already reached 46.5 percent by the end of 2013.
Oil and gas in the North Sea play a major role in the independence debate as a key sources of revenue for an independent Scotland. But Scots are aware that supplies are limited.
In contrast to the British government in London, Scottish National Party rejects nuclear energy. At the moment, reactor blocks are still running at Hunterston B near Glasgow und Torness, in the Edinburgh region.
-tk-