Energy and regeneration

Orkney is at the forefront of renewable energy innovation in Scotland and beyond. This page brings together information about our Development and Regeneration team, links to current resources on energy advice, funding and policy, and Orkney-specific research and strategy documents.

Our energy strategy

A Sustainable Energy Strategy for Orkney

Our Sustainable Energy Strategy sets out how we plan to make the most of Orkney's exceptional renewable energy resources - including wind, wave and tidal power - while addressing fuel poverty, high living costs and climate change. The strategy covers plans to achieve electricity and energy use equivalence over the coming years, upgrade electricity transmission and the grid, support community benefit schemes and local investment, improve public transport and alternative fuels, and promote marine renewables and hydrogen technology.

For information about our broader climate change and net zero commitments, see our Climate Change and Our Net Zero Journey pages.

Get advice and find out about funding

Home Energy Scotland is a free advice service funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust. Their expert advisors offer impartial advice on energy saving, renewable energy, home improvements and available funding - including grants and interest-free loans for heat pumps, insulation and other clean energy improvements. Island and rural homeowners may be eligible for enhanced grant levels.

Warmer Homes Scotland provides free energy efficiency improvements - including insulation and heating - for households on low incomes. Contact Home Energy Scotland to find out if you are eligible.

The Energy Saving Trust provides independent information on energy saving, renewables and sustainable transport.

Scottish Government energy policy

The Scottish Government aims to generate the equivalent of 50% of Scotland's overall energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030, and to have almost completely decarbonised its energy system by 2045. Scotland is already a net exporter of clean energy, with a record 37.9 TWh of renewable electricity generated in 2024.

Orkney and marine energy

EMEC - European Marine Energy Centre is the world's leading test and research centre for wave and tidal energy, based in Orkney. Founded in 2003, EMEC has expanded beyond ocean energy into green hydrogen, floating wind and transport decarbonisation, playing a key role in Orkney's position as a global leader in clean energy innovation.

Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) brings together businesses and organisations with an interest in renewable energy in Orkney.

Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ) - Orkney is one of the islands involved in this initiative exploring how island communities can lead the way to net zero. 

Procurement

Public sector contracts and tender opportunities in Orkney are published through Public Contracts Scotland.