Microgeneration strategy for Scotland

Ministerial Foreword

I am delighted to present for publication the Microgeneration Strategy for Scotland. The Strategy sets out our aims and ambitions for the growth of microgeneration in Scotland, building on what has been achieved.

In Scotland, we are blessed with a wealth of natural resource that can be harnessed to power our nation. Technologies such as solar panels, heat pumps and biomass mean that we can harness this energy in our own homes, schools, offices and businesses.

The Scottish Government has the most ambitious renewable energy targets in the world. However, the growth of microgeneration is not solely about meeting targets. It can also contribute to Scotland's transition to a low carbon economy, it is part of our drive towards energy efficiency to reduce energy costs and take more households out of fuel poverty, and, crucially, the microgeneration market can support existing jobs in Scotland and create new opportunities too.

I recognise that this has been a turbulent year for the sector and acknowledge and recognise that there are challenges in front of us. I believe that none of these challenges are insurmountable and we have much to celebrate in what has been achieved by Scottish industry, the work of our colleges and Universities and most of all the communities and people of Scotland.

We cannot do this alone, and I am grateful for the contribution that the Microgeneration Strategy Stakeholder Group has provided to the Strategy and the work of industry groups such as the Scottish Energy Installers Alliance to create a coordinated voice for the sector and developing the skilled workforce needed to meet the growing demand for microgeneration and energy efficiency. I also welcome the innovations in technologies being developed in Scotland and the growth in our manufacturing capacity for microgeneration. We all have a part to play in building a cleaner, greener Scotland and this strategy shows how microgeneration can contribute to that aim.

Fergus Ewing
Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism