Scottish Renewables has responded to the Climate Change Committee's (CCC) latest advice on Scotland's carbon budgets for 2026 to 2045, emphasising the urgent need for accelerated action on renewable energy and clean heat solutions.

This marks the first time the Scottish Government has sought such comprehensive advice from the UK's independent climate change advisor.

Morag Watson, Director of Onshore at Scottish Renewables, stated: "The advice from the Climate Change Committee makes it clear that Scotland cannot deliver a balanced and credible route to meeting its climate ambitions without accelerating the delivery of renewable energy, new electricity network infrastructure and clean heat solutions."

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With a revised Heat in Buildings Bill soon to be introduced to parliament, Scottish Renewables is pressing the Scottish Government to act decisively. Watson stressed the importance of a clear and deliverable strategy for heat decarbonisation, advocating for the prioritisation of cost-effective heat networks and ensuring all funding schemes are straightforward for both consumers and suppliers to navigate.

"Ultimately, we can only meet our future electricity demand by unlocking Scotland’s clean power potential," Watson added. "Not only will this tackle climate change and fuel poverty but enable long-term prosperity through new economic opportunities and energy security. We call on ministers to act now to realise the ambitious but credible route to decarbonisation outlined today."

The CCC's advice outlines the pathways for Scotland to achieve its net-zero target by 2045, suggesting significant emissions reductions across various sectors, including a substantial increase in renewable electricity generation and a rapid uptake of electric vehicles and heat pumps.