A new study has revealed producing half of Scotland's energy needs through renewable sources is possible by 2030.

In Ricardo Energy and Environment's report, 'The Energy of Scotland: Heating, moving and powering our lives from now to 2030', the study confirms Scotland's climate change targets are possible, however necessary policies and actions are required to achieve these goals.

Key highlights include heating two-fifths of Scotland's homes from renewable sources, with a Warm Homes Act helping to ensure access to cleaner, more affordable heat; reducing heat demand from homes by 30% by 2030; and making one in three cars electric, as well as half of all buses.

The Scottish Government has already achieved its target of reducing emission by at least 42% by 2020 and is now being urged to adopt the new 2030 target.

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WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: "This report shows that a 50% renewables target for all our energy needs by 2030 is not only needed, but that it is achievable. Ministers should now make this a Scottish government target and bring in the policies needed in its forthcoming energy strategy.

"Doing so would enable Scotland to enjoy the many economic and social benefits that the report suggests would take place as result of generating half of all our energy needs from renewables. Scotland is already seeing the economic and social benefits of shifting our electricity system to clean, climate-friendly, renewables generation."

Mark Ruskell MSP, Climate & Energy Spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, added that the study's findings are "more than achievable" as long as the government shows enough "ambition and determination" to adopt the recommendations.

"What Scotland has to do to meet its climate targets by 2030 has been clearly set out in this report," he said. "Renewable heat remains one of our biggest unrealised opportunities in terms of creating jobs, tackling fuel poverty and cutting emissions.

"Countries like Denmark who didn't have access to cheap North Sea Gas in the 70's invested heavily in district heating and are now reaping the rewards. We need to catch up fast.

"This is the time to concentrate our efforts in developing renewables. It was reported that on one windy day this summer, wind turbines covered all of our electricity needs and we already know that Scotland is 'the undisputed world leader' in tidal energy."

(LM/JP)