Scotland and the future of European energy security

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has propelled forward questions about Europe’s energy independence and clean energy investments. As policymakers look for alternatives to Russian oil and gas, they must balance meeting capacity needs today with meeting climate change pledges to decarbonize energy systems globally. Scotland has achieved meeting most of its current electricity demand from renewable energy sources, but still faces steep challenges in transferring its heating and transportation sectors to carbon-free sources.

On Monday, May 16, as part of the Alan and Jane Batkin International Leaders Forum, the Brookings Initiative on Climate Research and Action hosted the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon for keynote remarks followed by a conversation with Samantha Gross, director of the Energy Security and Climate Initiative at Brookings. First Minister Sturgeon discussed Scotland’s role in tackling the global climate crisis, the justice and benefits of transitioning to a greener economy, and what’s needed—especially in the wake of Russia’s destabilization of fossil fuel energy supplies—to boost Scottish and European energy security and self-reliance.

Viewers can submit questions for the speakers by emailing [email protected] or on Twitter by using #EnergySecurity.

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