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The author of an influential report on how Scotland’s future energy needs can be met will address a Parliamentary cross party group.

Paul Gardner, of Gerrad Hassan, conducted the research for the Power of Scotland report, published by Friends of the Earth Scotland, WWF and the World Development Movement. Paul will address, the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency on 7 October 2009.

At the meeting, Paul will demonstrate to MSPs and other members of the group that by 2030 renewable energy can meet up to 143% of Scotland’s electricity demand and that it is entirely plausible that no large scale fossil fired generating capacity need remain online by 2030.

Duncan McLaren, CEO of FoES said: “It will be interesting to hear the discussion between government, Scottish Renewables and Paul, given that The Power of Scotland Renewed shows quite clearly that we do not need new coal power stations and that we can meet in excess of our electricity requirements with renewable energy by 2030.

“This is especially pertinent as we learn that Longannet will not be receiving EU funding to install carbon capture and storage, and we await Scottish Government guidance on Section 36 electricity consents and tomorrow’s promised publication of the long awaited consultation on the Government’s energy efficiency action plan.

“To realize a renewable future, Scotland must scale up investment in energy efficiency and renewables, smart grid reinforcement, inter-connectors and energy storage.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:
Per Fischer, Press Office, Friends of the Earth ScotlandT: 0131 243 2719

Notes to Editors1. The next meeting of the Cross Party Group on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in the Scottish Parliament (SPREEE) is on Wednesday 7 October at 12.30pm in Committee Room 1. AGENDA1. Welcome and Introductions from Liam McArthur MSP, Co-Convener 2. Keynote Speaker: The role of renewable energy in taking forward the Climate Change delivery agenda – Jamie Hume, Deputy Director of Renewable Energy in the Scottish Government. 3. Question and Answer Session: including Paul Gardner of Garrad Hassan (research base of Power of Scotland Renewed) and Niall Stewart, new CEO of Scottish Renewables.2. Friends of the Earth Scotland exists to help people in Scotland look after the planet for everyone’s future. We think globally and act locally in Scotland, delivering solutions to climate change by enabling and empowering people to take both individual and collective action. We offer help to people with the big things in life – helping to sustain a healthy society and environment. We believe that all of our children’s futures will be better because of what we do. 3. Download the full Power of Scotland Renewed report from www.foe-scotland.org.uk