Report calls for "achievable" 50% renewables target in Scotland by 2030

A report on Monday called on the Scottish government to adopt a renewable energy target of 50% by 2030, saying it is both necessary and achievable.

The report by WWF Scotland, Friends of the Earth Scotland and RSPB Scotland is based on analysis by consultancy Ricardo Energy and Environment and comes as Scottish ministers develop a new energy strategy. It says that the government should set a target to source at least 50% of Scotland's energy from renewables by 2030, with individual targets for the heat, transport and electricity sectors. The analysis sees Scotland generating the equivalent of 143% of its electricity demand from renewables in 2030, with significant exports to the rest of the UK. By 2030, renewables should also provide 40% of Scotland's heat, up from 4% currently, as well as 18% of its transport energy.

According to the study, under current policies the country will be unable to meet its emissions reduction targets and generating 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030 is the most cost-effective way to hit the targets.

"Our analysis provides the most sophisticated model yet for what Scotland’s energy system will look like in 2030 if climate targets are to be met in the most cost-effective way," said Colin McNaught, managing consultant at Ricardo Energy & Environment.

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