Conservation key to Scotland’s energy supply

Conserving energy is the best way to ensure that Scotland’s energy supply is maintained, according to a committee of MPs.

In its report, the Scottish Affairs Committee examines the energy options available to Scotland, and recommends that the Government undertakes an audit of energy resources “before any final, irreversible, decisions”.

Coal must have a part to play in meeting Scotland’s energy needs, according to the committee. And it says that nuclear fusion could be a major source of power in the not too distant future.

The committee concludes that it is unwise to think that “emerging technologies” will be able to meet a quarter of the renewable proportion of Scotland’s energy needs.