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Section 4: Strategic Policy Context
Purpose
Part of the Group's remit was to consider the overall policy context of Renewable Heat. This section summaries the strategic policy context at a European, UK and Scottish level which we consider impacts on the development of renewable heat.
European Context
The European Union recently agreed a target for 20% of overall EU energy consumption to come from renewables by 2020, including heat and transport along with electricity. The target for the UK contribution has been set at 15%, and it is clear that this overall target will impact on the need to encourage renewable heat. The EU has also laid down strict requirements for waste and landfill under the Landfill Directive which encourages Member States to reduce as far as possible material going to landfill.
UK Context
Renewable energy is an integral part of the UK Government's longer-term aim of reducing CO 2 emissions by 60% by 2050. It has set a target of 10% of electricity supply from renewable energy by 2010. The UK Government has recently outlined its aim for greater use of renewable heat, through greater use of energy derived from waste, biomass and microgeneration. This year, the UK Government is calling for evidence to bring forward new measures for greater use of renewables to heat our homes and our buildings. The Energy White paper and the Renewables Obligation ( RO) consultation published in May 2007 set out a range of measures to address the future energy needs of the UK. The proposed banding for biomass as used in combined heat and power ( CHP) plants should help renewable heat by increasing the incentives for the use of biomass CHP.
Scottish Context
The promotion of renewable energy is devolved to the Scottish Government. The Government's policy support to date has played a major role in the development of renewable electricity in Scotland. The Scottish Government has set a target that 50% of the demand for electricity generated in Scotland must be met from renewable resources by 2020, with an interim milestone of 31% by 2011. Alongside that, the proposed Scottish Climate Change Bill will set a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. We consider there is potential to set a Scottish renewable heat target and this is further considered at section 8. The group is encouraged by these proposals which could create a structure for investment in clean and low carbon technologies, contributing to sustainable economic growth and helping to create a greener Scotland. Section 8 considers a range of mechanisms to further support the development of renewable heat across a range of policy areas.
The group understands that renewable heat is a devolved matter for the Scottish Government. However it would welcome a statement to clarify this position and the role of the Scottish Government in promoting renewable heat in Scotland.
Devolved Responsibility
That the Scottish Government:
- clarifies that it has devolved responsibility for the promotion of renewable heat in Scotland.
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