The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) has welcomed the Scottish government’s intentions to meet its existing net zero target by 2045, five years ahead of the UK Government target.
The recently published Draft Energy Strategy reaffirmed the government’s commitments to significant investments in Scotland’s solar, offshore wind and tidal and wave sectors, and set out plans for the development of a strong hydrogen sector.
This includes an overall ambition to double renewable generation capacity by 2030 to 20GW.
The REA recognises an excellent track record of ambition with Scotland reaching 99% renewable power – 1% off its target of 100% – in 2020, largely due to Scotland having the largest onshore wind resources in Europe.
However, the REA believes that the strategy should also make stronger commitments to Scotland’s existing bioenergy industries, which will play an important role in delivering renewable heat, firm low carbon power and negative emissions through bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
The strategy should also strengthen links to the waste sector by utilising valuable resources that would otherwise end in landfill, particularly food waste that can be used in compost and energy production.
Mark Sommerfeld, Head of Power and Flexibility at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) said: “The REA welcomes the Scottish government’s publication of its ambitious Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, setting out how it intends to meet the existing target of reaching net zero by 2045.
“While the REA urges that the strategy should and could go further on the role of other crucial sectors, including making stronger commitments to Scotland’s existing bioenergy and waste industries, the Scottish government’s focus on a Just Transition recognises that growth in renewables and clean technology provides the opportunities for a cleaner, stronger and fairer economy.
“The REA and its members look forward to supporting Scotland’s energy transition, along with the decarbonisation of the rest of the UK.”