‘Scotland’s Economic Future: Disruptive Ideas’ is a series of papers conceived and coordinated by Alison Hunter and Fabian Zuleeg – and shared with Sceptical Scot.* The first of these, by Robert Pollock, urges profound institutional change if Scotland is to master and benefit fully from the transition to a net-zero carbon economy – and draws upon the lessons of offshore wind to … [Read more...] about Disruptive ideas on the road to a net-zero carbon economy
renewable energy
UK’s remarkable energy transition
Nine years ago, Britain generated nearly 75 per cent of its electricity using natural gas and coal. In 2018, this dropped to under 45 per cent – a remarkable transition away from fossil fuels in under a decade. In Scotland renewables provided as much as 70 per cent of electricity in 2017.As energy efficiency improved, demand … [Read more...] about UK’s remarkable energy transition
1968, 2015, and today’s prospects for hope and peace
I am aware that I address you on the anniversary of one of the most potent expressions of the great upsurge in student and worker activism that swept the United States, and the world, during 1968.Nearly 50 years ago to this day, the students of this University (Columbia) commenced a strike and a series of occupations in protest against the association of this institution of … [Read more...] about 1968, 2015, and today’s prospects for hope and peace
That £25bn bill for decommissioning offshore platforms?
As North Sea petroleum moves towards the end of its lifespan, the UK taxpayer is to spend some £25 billion to pay nearly half the cost of removing the offshore infrastructure.This might sound like the right thing to do, but as I have argued before, it is probably not the best use of public money. The environmental benefits of decommissioning are questionable. If we instead … [Read more...] about That £25bn bill for decommissioning offshore platforms?
Scotland’s record year for renewables
The Scottish Government has published new statistics on renewable energy generationup to the end of 2017 showing a significant increase in output during the final three months of last year – with 2017 now the best year on record for renewables in Scotland.With positive economic news not always that easy to find in recent times, these numbers are clearly welcome.There is … [Read more...] about Scotland’s record year for renewables