The committee will announce the inquiry into ‘Determining and Delivering Scotland’s Energy Future’ at a major energy industry summit in Aberdeen today.  Committee Convenor Tavish Scott MSP will put some of the inquiry’s key questions to energy industry representatives.  These include, ‘Can Scotland become the renewable energy of the world?’ and ‘Are Scottish Government targets of generating 50 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2020?’

As well as examining how the Scottish Government’s ambitious energy targets can be met, the inquiry will look into the future of energy production and distribution, more affordable and efficient use of energy and maximising the economic benefits of the energy industry.  The committee’s call for evidence will ask stakeholders: ‘What decisions need to be taken, by when and by whom to deliver on Scotland’s energy future?’

Scott said:

“Scottish and Southern Energy’s Ian Marchant said recently that government targets of Scotland generating 50 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020 are perfectly laudable, but based on our performance to date is about as likely as St Johnstone winning the European Champions League within the next 12 years.

“That wasn’t a throw-away line. It was a frank assessment of the challenge before us if the 2020 target is to be achieved.

“Scottish business leaders say we need faster decision making and greater predictability in planning decisions. We also hear that business needs to have confidence that government policies implemented now will not simply be abandoned or overturned by future administrations.

“Over the coming months, our committee will be asking industry, government and independent experts to come together so that we can establish what type of energy future Scotland needs and how exactly it can be achieved.”

Ian Marchant, Chair of the Climate Change Business Delivery Group and Chief Executive of Scottish and Southern Energy, said:

"I welcome the inquiry and am pleased that it is to focus on delivery against the challenging energy targets Scotland is now obliged to meet by 2020. I am also pleased to see that the committee is going to focus on barriers to sustainable development across the energy sector.

“We all have a huge responsibility to act swiftly to tackle climate change, and secure our future supplies of energy. Politicians of all parties have a responsibility to work together constructively. The business community stands ready to work with the inquiry and we look forward to making a contribution that can help Scotland move forwards with determination and speed."