Decarbonising our electricity supply is central to tackling climate change. Scotland has a set target to reach net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045. To make this possible, the country aims to generate 50% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030 and to decarbonise our energy system almost completely by 20501. Renewable energy projects like Woodheads Energy Park are crucial in making this ambition a reality.
The Scottish Borders declared a climate emergency in September 2020. The Council Plan 2024 underlines the Council’s commitment to reaching net zero by 20452.
The Woodheads project, as currently proposed, will provide a generating capacity of 100MW of clean power from solar energy at a time when our national demand for electricity is projected to rise by 50% by 2036, and double by 20503 .
This proposal will supply green power to an estimated 35,000 homes4, the equivalent to 48,000 tonnes of CO2 saved per annum5.
3 National Grid (2022) 4 Based on 113.3GWh of energy generated per year, and DESNZ statistics on the average house consumption in Scotland (2024) 5 Based on an annual 113.3GWh export capacity, and the Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factor (2024) from Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES)
Build national power security
In recent years, we have seen the consequence of our national over-dependence on international oil and gas prices, with electricity prices spiralling. Through Woodheads Energy Park, ABO Energy reaffirms its dedication to advancing the development of a native clean energy supply in the UK, enabling less reliance on volatile international markets and impacts on consumer prices. This proposal will add much needed generating capacity to meet fast-rising demand for power.
