The Scottish Government is being urged to set a new target of generating half of the country's total electricity, heat and transport demand from renewables by 2030.

Industry body Scottish Renewables made the call as part of its 'Renewed Ambitions: Defining the Future of Renewable Energy in Scotland' manifesto launched today, 13 January.

The publication states how the organisation believed Scotland's next Government can best support the continued growth of the section along with the economic and environment benefits it is already delivering.

The manifesto calls on the next government too:

• Expand community and local ownership of renewable energy projects though the creation of a Scottish Renewable Energy Bond which would allow savers across Scotland to invest in the growth of the renewables industry while also generating a return on their investment.

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• Ensure Scotland's public sector acts as an exemplar and spearheads the growth of renewable energy through a target for renewable energy use in heat, power and transport for public bodies.

• Accelerate the growth of sustainable transport by allowing the use of bus lanes, providing free parking, and expanding the provision of charging and re-fuelling points for low-carbon vehicles.

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "Scotland's ambitious climate change and 2020 renewable energy targets have signalled a clear intent for the country to lead the way in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

"Together, renewables now produce the equivalent of 15% of Scotland's energy use across electricity, heat and transport.

"But with only four years to go, it is now time to look beyond 2020 and for Scotland to set a stretching target for renewables to produce the equivalent of at least 50% of all energy use across electricity, heat, and transport by 2030."

The election for a new Scottish Parliament will take place in May.

To read Scottish Renewables' manifesto, visit here.

(LM/MH)