The use of electric vehicles is over-estimated due to changing work patterns. Private vehicles should be discouraged from city centres to concentrate on public transport and active travel. District Heating Systems offer better outcomes with less strain on the electrical grid than heat pumps. New buildings need to be constructed to passive energy standards.
― The Scenarios presented overestimate the number of electric cars likely to be in use in Scotland by 2050 due to underestimating the rise of home working, car sharing, internet shopping and public transport.
― Electric vehicles should be as discouraged from city centres as internal combustion vehicles will be. Instead, the focus should be on public transport and active travel.
― Air-Sourced Heat Pumps are unlikely to generate enough heat for many houses in Scotland. District Heating Systems offer better outcomes with less strain on the electrical grid – especially for new buildings constructed to passive energy standards.
― The Scottish Government should develop a national Energy Storage Strategy covering both electricity and heat.
― Carbon Capture and Storage should not be used as part of a “net-zero” target though it may be required as part of post-2040 plans to remove CO₂ from the environment.