Balancing our energy portfolio

• Scotland is set to lose over half its current electricity generating capacity due to closure of the coal-fired and nuclear power stations. • Scotland will then become a net importer of electricity generated from England and Wales. • Under current UK policy, Scotland’s imported power will come from the proposed new fleet of nuclear power stations and from existing gas-fired power stations. • Reducing Scottish and UK coal consumption to meet carbon targets may increase gas consumption for power production. • The options for meeting future demand are: reducing demand, increasing onshore energy production, increasing offshore production; and increasing imports. • Decisions have to be made on how to meet future energy requirements and what level of energy security risk is acceptable. • Public education and debate is essential to avoid crisis decision-makin