The Scottish government has published plans that would see the country’s carbon emissions fall by two thirds by 2032 compared to a 1990 baseline by mobilising climate action across all sectors of its economy.
The key policy outcome leading the effort outlined in Holyrood’s draft climate change plan published yesterday (19 January) would see Scotland operating a wholly decarbonised electricity system by 2030.
The SNP envisage electricity as the main source of power and heating for all building stock, with demand increasing as a result. To increase supply of clean energy, the Scottish government would support future development of renewables by addressing market and wider barriers.
This would include new targets for renewable generation, particularly in community energy projects, as well as measures for a government-owned energy company and Scottish renewable bond outlined in the SNP’s manifesto.
Proposals are also included to promote the use of demand side response and energy storage, with the intended outcome that by 2030 emissions from electricity generation are negative, providing a net reduction in energy system emissions.
Roseanna Cunningham, cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and land reform, published the draft proposals and said it demonstrates “a new level of ambition” in Scotland’s work to build a low carbon economy.
“The transition to a low carbon economy offers important opportunities for Scotland — thanks to our highly skilled workforce, the strength of our research institutions and, of course, our natural resources,” she said.
“The Scottish government’s ambitions are clear, but we have now reached a point in our journey where future progress will require the support of individuals, organisations and businesses across the country.
“The publication of our draft Climate Change Plan provides an important opportunity for debate at Holyrood about the policies which should be implemented and the proposals which should be considered.
The comprehensive document also includes proposals to achieve near zero carbon emissions by 2032 within non-domestic buildings through energy efficiency and adoption of low carbon heating measures.
A similar approach will be taken to the residential sector, leading to largely decarbonised building stock by 2032.
The Scottish government is also hoping to achieve a 32% emissions reduction in transport compared to 2014, increasing the proportion of ultra-low emission new cars and vans registered in Scotland annually to reach or exceed 40% by 2032.
The draft plan will be scrutinised by the Scottish parliament over a 60 day period after which the final Climate Change Plan will be published.