Letter: Energy boost

The Scottish Government should raise the level of ambition for renewable electricity generation in Scotland. Current targets are being met well in advance of their deadline and rather than driving increased investment are creating uncertainty in the industry.

It's time to raise our game, and commit to producing more than 100 per cent of our domestic electricity from renewables by 2020. Soon to be published research by independent energy analysts Garrad Hassan for Friends of the Earth Scotland, WWF Scotland and RSPB, demonstrates that that with only moderate additional effort Scotland could be generating more electricity from renewable sources than we need in total, meaning we could also be exporting clean electricity to England and Wales.

Investment in this zero carbon power supply could stimulate a sustainable recovery from the recession, building new expertise and infrastructure that is fit for a climate-proofed future. This opportunity stands in stark

contrast to the backward step represented by the current plans for a new coal plant at Hunterston. Scotland has no need for such a polluting plant. It would be a tragedy to lock ourselves into a carbon-dependent future.

DR RICHARD DIXON

Director, WWF Scotland

LLOYD AUSTIN

Head of Conservation Policy

RSPB Scotland

DUNCAN McLAREN

Chief executive, Friends of the Earth Scotland