A new report has been published by the Scottish government on the projected renewable energy requirements needed for the transport sector between now and 2045.

The key finding from the report is that the amount of electricity and hydrogen the transport system is expected to need is well within the limits of what the energy sector is expected to generate.

These are the first forecasts to be developed to show the renewable energy requirements of the transport sector in Scotland. The report therefore provides new insight for the energy and transport sectors to consider together. The scale of change required for all vehicles in Scotland to be powered by renewable energy means that strong and strategic action across sectors is needed.

In addition to the main report, Transport Scotland has published an interactive tool so that transport planners, energy professionals and investors can see how different scenarios and vehicle types interact – and how changes in certain assumptions can impact the forecasts. There are also closer looks at the hydrogen demand forecast in the Highlands, Fife, and Dumfries and Galloway, with all the methods being set out so analysis can be replicated for other areas too.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:

“I’m pleased that we have published these new forecasts for renewable energy requirements across the transport sector. I know that there are businesses interested in investing in hydrogen transport who have been seeking more information on likely supply. This report fills an important gap in our understanding and will help the public and private sector accelerate towards renewables at pace.”