Scotland aims to generate half of its energy required for heat, transport and electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030.
It is part of the government’s draft Scottish Energy Strategy, which sets out a vision for 2050 for the nation to have a modern, integrated energy system for a low carbon economy.
It is seeking views on the proposals, which include the development of emerging energy sources and technologies such as hydrogen, a renewed focus on energy efficiency, the delivery of smart local energy systems and renewable bonds.
The Scottish Government also proposes to explore the “re-powering” of existing power plants.
Last week the Scottish Government announced plans to reduce the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 66% by 2032.
Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said: “The Scottish Government is determined to support a stable, managed transition to a low carbon economy in Scotland, recognising the very real need to decarbonise our heat supplies and transport system. The oil and gas sector will continue to play a vital role during that transition because our economy will continue to require hydrocarbons over this period.
“In particular, the renewable energy sector, which now employs more than 11,000 people in Scotland and which has been a major driver of Scotland’s economy in recent years, has the potential to grow even further, helping us meet our climate change targets through extending our success in decarbonising electricity supplies to secure a step-change in decarbonising energy for heat and transport. Through this, we can build the right environment for innovation, investment and the creation of even more high value jobs in Scotland.”
The consultation on the draft proposals will run until 30th May.
