Scotland׳s hydropower: Current capacity, future potential and the possible impacts of climate change

摘要: Abstract To promote the transition towards a low carbon economy, Scottish Government has adopted ambitious energy-related targets, including generating all electricity from renewable sources by 2020. achieve this, continued investment will be required across range of sustainable technologies. Hydropower long history in Scotland and present-day operational capacity ~1.5 GW already makes substantial contribution to national energy budget. In addition, there remains potential for ~500 MW further development, mostly form small medium size run-of-river schemes. Climate change is expected lead an intensification global hydrological cycle, leading changes both magnitude seasonality river flows. There may also indirect effects on water flows, such as changing land use, enhanced evapotranspiration rates increased demand irrigation, which could affect available generation. this paper we describe Scotland׳s currently installed hydropower present review scope future development. We impacts climate change, highlighting possible adaptation measures well key factors likely determine financial viability over coming decades. summary state knowledge regarding resilience resource climate, identify areas where research required.