Ministerial Forward
I am delighted to be able to launch Scotland's Renewable Heat Action Plan, underlining this Government's commitment to make energy a priority in our Economic Recovery Programme while contributing towards our ambitious emissions reduction targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
Heat constitutes some 50% of current energy demand in Scotland but for too long has taken a back seat in the renewable technology mix. However, this Government attaches a precedence to the development of the sector, as is evident in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, which mandates Scottish Ministers to produce a plan for the use of heat from renewable sources. This Action Plan fulfils that commitment and ensures that renewable heat is given the attention it requires.
The Plan highlights the need to utilise all technological options available, at a range of scales, to meet our 2020 target. In the short to medium term, industrial and commercial scale biomass will be key to developing the sector, while the domestic sector is more challenging and has the potential to contribute in the longer term.
This Plan will focus on actions to stimulate the market over the next 2 years.
There are considerable opportunities for growth in Scotland, particularly in terms of skilled trades people to manufacture, install and maintain the equipment. Ensuring that Scotland has the right skills in place is one aspect given focus within the plan.
The actions are not static and will be reviewed on a regular basis to make the Plan current and react to industry needs. A Steering Group, comprising a wide range of stakeholders have accepted an invitation as part of a sub-group of the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland to drive forward delivery. I look forward to working with the Group to implement this vital Plan.
Jim Mather MSP
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism