Scottish Government publish Renewables Routemap for 2020 targets

Tuesday, 5 July 2011, 4:02 PM

The Scottish Government has launched a Renewables Routemap to outline an action plan to achieve targets for 100 per cent of Scotland's electricity needs from renewables by 2020.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "Renewable energy provides perhaps Scotland's greatest economic and environmental opportunity this century. Our new Routemap sets out what we need to do collectively to write the next chapter in Scotland's renewable energy story.

"More than 40,000 jobs could be created in this rapidly expanding industry and some of the biggest names in energy have already chosen to expand their operations in Scotland, including Mitsubishi Power Systems, Gamesa and Dossan Babcock. It is essential we continue to move quickly to develop the necessary infrastructure and skills required to attract more international investment and green energy jobs to our communities.”

The Routemap builds on the 2009 Scottish Renewables Action Plan and identifies actions required to help Scotland meet the challenges ahead including: costs and access to finance, grid capacity and charges, skills, innovation, supply chain and infrastructure.

The plan also sets new targets to meet 30 per cent of overall energy demand from renewables by 2020, and to deliver 500 MW of community and locally-owned renewable energy by 2020. The plan outlines a commitment to develop strategies for microgeneration and agri-renewables, and pledges to work with investors to create a Green Equity Fund to support community renewable projects.

Plans to establish a Scottish Renewables Advisory Themed Group were also announced to provide expert advice from industry and other stakeholders on how to achieve Scotland's full renewable energy potential. The group will be co-chaired by the Energy Minister and Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables.

Read the 2020 Routemap for Renewable Energy in Scotland (PDF 1760.97 kb)

Read the Scottish Government Press Release