The Impact of Alternative Electricity Generation Technologies on the Scottish Economy: An Illustrative Input-Output Analysis

UK Energy policy is at a critical juncture, with major changes in the electricity generation mix in prospect. In Scotland significant reductions in electricity generating capacity are expected as coal- and nuclear-powered stations close, and although rapid growth of renewable capacity continues, it does so from a very small base. There is no doubt that Scotland faces very substantial shifts in the composition of its electricity generating capacity, and very probably also a major contraction in the level of that capacity in the absence of further changes in UK energy policy (such as a move to commission new nuclear generating stations). The choices made will have important economic, as well as environmental, consequences.