The Scottish Government has proposed a “landmark” target for half of
Scotland’s energy needs to be met by renewables by 2030.
Energy minister Paul Wheelhouse announced the move as he published a draft
strategy setting out policies and proposals for the heat, transport and
electricity sectors.
Last week, the Scottish Government published a draft climate change plan
which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 66% by 2032.
Environmental groups had campaigned for the 50% renewable energy target,
with WWF Scotland arguing it was both “necessary and achievable”.
Launching a consultation on the plans, Mr Wheelhouse told MSPs at Holyrood:
“By the end of 2015 we had seen the largest annual increase in renewable
heat output since measurement began, up by more than 1,100 gigawatt hours
in a single year.
“In 2015 Scotland produced enough heat from renewable sources to meet
between 5.3% and 5.6% of non-electrical heat demand.
“We can all take pride in such successes, however it’s clear that more
progress will be required, particularly in the supply of low carbon heat
and transport, if we are to remain on track to meet our ambitious climate
change goals.
“To maintain momentum, a new 2030 all energy renewables target is proposed
in our energy strategy, setting an ambitious challenge to deliver the
equivalent of half of Scotland’s energy requirements for heat, transport
and electricity from renewable energy sources.
“I hope that members will welcome this landmark proposal given the support
shown for such an ambition last month in this chamber during the debate on
support for Scotland’s renewables sector.”
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