Conservationists have teamed up with the green energy industry to demand the Scottish Government sets a new target to ensure half the country’s power comes from renewables by 2030.
WWF Scotland and trade body Scottish Renewables made the call following what they believe has been a “landmark” year for Scottish renewable energy thanks to world firsts, record setting and innovation.
Among the milestone achievements in 2016 were the creation of the world’s first fully operational array of tidal power turbines off Shetland, wind turbines generating more electricity in a day than would cover Scotland’s daily usage for the first time on record, and pioneering plans for kite power stations and floating wind farms.
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “2016 was without doubt a landmark year for renewables in Scotland, with several world firsts achieved, new records set, and amazing innovation shown. With almost three-fifths of our electricity needs now being met from renewable sources, Scotland is truly blazing a trail globally for pollution-free power.
“However, following the ratification of the Paris climate agreement, we can and should go much further. Analysis has shown that a 50% renewables target for all our energy needs by 2030 is not only needed, but that it is achievable.
“Ministers should now make this a Scottish Government target and bring in the policies needed in its forthcoming energy strategy.”
Jenny Hogan, director of policy at Scottish Renewables, echoed his call, saying the new target would bring further economic and environmental benefits.
She said: “While renewables are now Scotland’s leading source of electricity, we have only just begun to address the need to reduce the carbon emissions from our heat and transport sectors.
“The Scottish Government’s planned new energy strategy gives us a chance to make the radical changes required in both if we are to get anywhere close to meeting our future climate change targets.”
Scottish Green energy spokesman Mark Ruskell said the proposed target “must feature” in the new energy strategy.
He said: “This call will increase the pressure not just on the Scottish Government but on other opposition parties to match the Scottish Greens’ ambition.
“Earlier this month other parties voted down or abstained on our proposal to set a target of Scotland producing half of all the energy it consumes from clean, renewable sources.
“We can see the support for this target is growing. It would create more jobs, reduce climate change emissions and air pollution, and cut fuel poverty.”
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