Scotland’s moment to lead the low-carbon revolution

Across the UK, concerns are growing that the target to generate more than 95% of electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030 could be missed. Despite strong intent, many companies across heavy industry, oil, gas and power are having to balance immediate demands with long-term ambitions, often amid investment uncertainty.

But amidst the doom and gloom, Accenture’s latest Powered for Change research highlights that the UK has a real opportunity to become a low-carbon superpower by adopting a “multigenerational” approach to infrastructure. This means instead of isolated wins, we need to move to a repeatable, scalable model that spans technologies, timelines and sectors, and recognises how our traditional strengths can support emerging capabilities.

For Scotland, this approach plays directly to our strengths. Scotland leads in renewables, but our experience in oil and gas, transmission and infrastructure gives us a critical edge in delivering a balanced, system-wide transition. What’s needed now is the consistency, investment and confidence to push the boundaries on thinking for the long-term.

Accenture’s research highlights four priorities to make this vision real. It starts with building stronger, more resilient supply chains, moving towards long-term partnerships that share risk and improve economics to get projects off the ground faster. At the same time, we need to embed digital intelligence into every development. With tools like AI and ESG analytics, we can capture learnings in real time and make each project smarter and more efficient than the last.

We also need to rethink how we work and build future skills. Generative AI and immersive training can help people in energy and industry learn faster, automate routine tasks and focus on what adds real value. But none of this will succeed without early and honest engagement with communities – showing how the shift to low-carbon energy creates jobs, strengthens local economies and brings down bills.

A realistic low-carbon strategy takes into account that the UK’s energy landscape will rely on a mix of renewable and conventional sources. We won’t get to net zero without our traditional oil and gas industries playing a role in the transition. They’re not just a source of reliable energy - they’re also a vital source of UK revenue and industrial capability, essential to building the infrastructure a low-carbon future requires.

If we take this joined-up, multigenerational approach, the UK, and Scotland in particular, can reshape the economics of industrial decarbonisation and lead this next industrial revolution. One that exports low-carbon expertise globally while strengthening our energy security at home. By matching business ambition with the right technology and regulation, we can turn the energy transition into a lasting source of power for our economy and communities.

Gordon McKirdy, Resources and Energy Lead for Accenture in Scotland​