Scottish Renewables the green energy trade association has welcomed the launch today of the Scottish parliamentary inquiry into Scotland's Energy Future. Scottish Renewables called for an increase of the 2020 renewable electricity target from 40% to 50% in its Holyrood 2007 election manifesto- a target that was adopted by the incoming SNP government.

Jason Ormiston CEO of Scottish Renewables said, "If the Scottish Government's target is to be achieved then the triple barriers of planning, grid and skills need to be resolved now otherwise crucial climate change and energy security objectives will never be delivered in Scotland."

He added, "However, proposed European energy policy will change the game and any scrutiny of energy policy in Scotland must also look at the way we use and generate heat as well as electricity. A joined up energy strategy is essential and we expect the committee to look hard at how this can be achieved."