Offshore wind power is a “risky” policy that should be dropped if Scotland becomes independent, according to a think tank.
Options for Scotland, set up by former SNP leader Gordon Wilson, claims urgent action would need to be taken to halt the expansion of energy capacity “for which there would be no market”.
The report, written by civil engineer Nick Dekker, put forward nine ideas for how a post-independent Scotland might reform the energy industry. Scaling back a carbon emissions target and a moratorium on new offshore wind power are among the suggestions published in an analysis paper.
Other ideas are the creation of a state-owned generating company, returning control of the grid to Scotland, investing in carbon capture and hydro power, and abandoning the feed-in tariff.
In the report (PDF link), Mr Dekker says Scotland will have more windfarm capacity per capita than any other country in the world by the end of 2014, but no turbines or blades will have been assembled in Scotland.
The report says there has been “massive investment in Scottish windfarms” but “little” spent in Scotland, adding German and Danish turbine manufacturers have received “probably 70% of the money”.
It says: “The current policy of producing for export is based on UK needs and those of the generating companies. It adds to the costs of consumers in Scotland. It provides no economic benefit to Scotland.
“In short, it is a strategy for a devolved Scotland subject to UK energy requirements. It is entirely unsuitable for an independent Scotland.”
The Scottish Government’s target to meet electricity demand with 100% renewable energy by 2020 is also questioned, with Mr Dekker saying it will “lock” Scotland into a British system operated by National Grid.
Options for Scotland director Gordon Wilson said consumers would face bigger bills and fuel poverty would be accelerated by the existing policy.
He said: “An independent Scotland must look upon these energy issues carefully. We need the cheapest source of electricity for our domestic and industrial consumers no ifs, no buts.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Scotland has an incredible wealth of energy resources, capable of both meeting our energy needs and significant exports to parts of the UK and Europe.
“Delivering a more diverse, sustainable energy mix will enhance security of supply, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel prices and help lower costs to consumers.
“We have a responsibility to ensure we seize the economic opportunities of these resources and independence will provide the levers necessary to provide long-term stability and fiscal incentives to maximise energy production, encourage investment and in turn boost tax revenues.”