CHANGING the way in which we generate, transmit and use energy is imperative in order to deliver the clean energy system we need to tackle climate change.

The average UK fossil fuel power station is more than 30 years old and we must replace these ageing plants with clean, cheap and secure generation if Scotland and the UK are to meet existing carbon targets.

Renewable energy ticks all those boxes – and it’s popular, with the latest UK Government poll showing more than 82 per cent of the UK public back the use of renewable energy to provide our electricity, fuel and heat.

Renewables now provide almost 70 per cent of Scotland’s electricity supply and National Grid, which is responsible for the security of our energy system, is already planning for more green power generation, saying it is confident "we will have the intelligence available in the system to ensure power is consumed when it’s there and not when it’s not there".

Investing in renewable generation means stabilising energy costs, banking on technology which is becoming cheaper every day, creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions.

Failing to do so will expose energy consumers to volatile fossil fuel prices and poorer air quality, as well as the global threat of climate change.

Claire Mack,

Chief executive, Scottish Renewables, 46 Bath Street, Glasgow.