An action plan to drive forward Scotland's renewables revolution and to meet the government's green energy targets, was launched today by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.

The Renewables Routemap outlines the necessary steps needed to capitalize on the enormous economic potential of Scotland's green energy capacity and to meet ambitious targets, including supplying 100 percent of electricity demand equivalent from renewables by 2020.

The plan sets new targets to meet 30 percent of overall energy demand from renewables by 2020, and to deliver 500 MW of community and locally owned renewable energy by 2020. The plan outlines a commitment to develop strategies for microgeneration and agri-renewables, and pledges to work with investors to create a Green Equity Fund to support community renewable projects.

The Routemap builds on the 2009 Scottish Renewables Action Plan and identifies actions required to help Scotland meet the major challenges ahead including: costs and access to finance, grid capacity and charges, skills, innovation, supply chain and infrastructure.

The plan reinforces the need for the Scottish Government, UK government and energy industry to continue to work together, urgently, to ensure Scotland retains its competitive advantage in renewables and secures inward investment and jobs.

Ewing also announced plans to establish a Scottish Renewables Advisory Themed Group, to provide expert advice from industry and other stakeholders on how to achieve Scotland's full renewable energy potential. The group will be co-chaired by the Energy Minister and Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables.