Half of all energy should come from renewables by 2030, says industry body

Scotland should aim to generate at least 50 per cent of its energy use from renewable sources by 2030, according to a new election manifesto released by Scottish Renewables.

Releasing its report, Renewed Ambitions: Defining the Future of Renewable Energy in Scotland, the industry body also called on the Scottish Government to create plans to integrate electricity, heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables said the renewables target would require a threefold increase in green energy generation.

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Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “It is now time to look beyond 2020 and for Scotland to set a stretching target for renewables to produce the equivalent of at least 50 per cent of all energy use across electricity, heat, and transport by 2030.

“That may seem ambitious but we will be more than halfway there by the end of this decade, and Sweden - the European leader - already sources half of all energy from renewables today.

"Achieving this new target will require strategic leadership from the next Scottish Government. The development of a comprehensive and joined-up energy strategy will allow the sector to maintain its competitiveness as well as spearheading the development and deployment of new technologies.”

The Scottish Renewables manifesto also urges the next Scottish Government to expand community and local ownership of renewable energy projects though the creation of a Scottish Renewable Energy Bond.

The manifesto also calls for action to accelerate the growth of sustainable transport by allowing the use of bus lanes, providing free parking, and expanding the provision of charging and re-fuelling points for low-carbon vehicles.

The Scottish Green Party welcomed the report.

Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said: “Scotland can have jobs for the future if we prioritise support not just for renewables but for low-carbon transport and housing, and oil and gas decommissioning.

“The Scottish Government’s more-of-everything approach to energy has muddied the waters, with the anti-Green agenda of the UK Government adding to the confusion.

“Scottish Renewables are right to highlight the need for support for indigenous manufacturing and R&D. Scottish Greens have long advocated a managed transition away from oil and gas so we seize the opportunity of our renewables and energy efficiency potential, and refocus skills and investment towards these sectors to sustain our economy.”