Professor John Robertson OBA
From Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2023 – Official statistics showing emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland over the period 1990 to 2023 published today, the above table and:
There was a very large reduction in emissions in the electricity generation sector of 0.8 MtCO2e in 2023, with a large reduction in gas-fired electricity generation being principally responsible for this drop. Reduction in Electricity Supply emissions (i.e. power stations) (-13.8 MtCO2e; 93.4 per cent reduction) Industrial emissions fell 7.5 MtCO2e (59.5 per cent reduction)
https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-greenhouse-gas-statistics-2023/
What the table above reveals is that Scotland is already almost entirely energy secure when it comes to dependency on electricity generation from gas, with emissions from that form of generation falling from 15.6 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, under Labour, to only 1, under the SNP, and falling soon to zero as further windfarms and battery farms come on stream. We don’t even need our own massive gas production and, if independent, could largely sell it off to our neighbours.
Footnote:
MTCO2e is a unit of measurement that means a metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. A metric tonne is equal to 1,000 kilos or 2,205 pounds. The MTCO2e is then used to compare the different greenhouse gases to quantify their impact on the environment and global warming.
https://www.inspirecleanenergy.com/blog/clean-energy-101/what-is-co2e
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
While Scotland does not need gas there are dozens (if not hundreds) of schemes, many supported by the Scottish Government, involving the production of blue and green hydrogen.
For example, there is a pilot scheme to pipe hydrogen gas to homes in Fife and a bigger plan by RWE to build a green hydrogen plant in Grangemouth.
https://www.h100fife.co.uk/
“Our world-first demonstration will bring 100% green hydrogen gas to customers for the first time, providing evidence for future low-carbon policy decisions and a clear path towards net zero heating for Scotland and the UK.”
“Clean offshore wind power. A dedicated green hydrogen production facility. A new gas network delivering clean heat to around 300 households. We’re bringing forward the future of heat to show the world that keeping our customers safe and warm shouldn’t cost the earth.”
“Buckhaven and Denbeath will be home to the world’s first 100% green hydrogen gas network. If you live there, you can opt in for a free, new hydrogen boiler and appliances, and receive £1000 for taking part while playing an important part in the fight against climate change.”
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As a natural gas consumer (30% of original), my curiosity was piqued by the hype over hydrogen, but after listening to umpteen experts in the field, my scepticism went into orbit.
Don’t get me wrong, converting electricity into green hydrogen can make good use of power which would otherwise be switched off, but the resultant energy is a fraction of what makes it, and does not use just any old water as oft implied – eg Were Orkney not awash with energy with nowhere to go (limited interconnect to the mainland), would a hydrogen generation plant have been built there ? Frankly I doubt it.
However, if you look to who is backing hydrogen most, it is the fossil fuel industry looking to promote blue hydrogen, thus extending natural gas’s lifespan with some unproven notions over carbon capture.
Were a fraction of the investment ploughed into energy conservation of homes, everybody would benefit from lower bills (however it’s fuelled) and domestic emissions would tumble – eg Were I to bite the bullet and triple glaze the last 5 windows in my house for say a grand, it would likely take my gas savings from 70% to 80% – I’d be dead before it paid for itself as my gas bill is sub 500 quid a year, but the point is it’s a permanent fix, just as the additional insulation was.
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Dear Prof I have been an avid reader of TUS for a number of years. Recently I have been unable to read any comments. Indeed there is not a “COMMENTS” heading to click on. Admittedly I m a lurker rather than a commenter but I found the majority of comments gave me ammunition in my arguments/discussions with those not of an independence frame of mind. Is this a WordPress problem and how can I revert to having access to the comments?.
Yours sincerelyGerry Thom
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Baffled how you made the comment….
I’ve had problems with some sites before (not this one) and found a change of browser fixed it – Maybe worth a try…
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Thnk you Bob. I have been using Chrome but wiull try Firefdox. I didn’t actually comment but replied to the original post.
Hopefully Firefox will let me access the comments.
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One I’ve been trying recently is DuckDuckGo after having problems with Chrome and/or the AV causing failure to find sites.
All browsers can have periodic problems or conflicts, but if you can switch between them, you can get around the temporary issue.
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