Perth-based energy giant SSE plc said on Tuesday it has urged the UK government to “stimulate investment in a world-leading electric vehicle charging network and bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles to 2030.”

SSE said it has published its greenprint “for a cleaner, more resilient recovery from the economic impact of coronavirus.”

The firm said it submitted a five-point action plan to the UK Government “to meet the twin objectives of helping the economy rebound whilst taking climate action to meet net zero targets.”

The report recommends the Government should greenlight billions of pounds of private investment in low carbon infrastructure, committing to a net zero power sector by 2040 “and help get the UK on track” to meet its climate action commitments.

“Targeting 75GW of offshore wind projects, five carbon capture and storage, plus hydrogen power clusters, and giving the go-ahead on plans to regenerate the electricity motorways to transport clean power to more homes and businesses, will help support a return to growth,” said SSE.

“A green fiscal rule which properly puts a high price on carbon emissions will incentivise the switch to cleaner power.

“And making homes more energy efficient, with electric heat networks and a deadline for the demise of the gas boiler, is needed to hit net zero targets.  

“The Government should also stimulate investment in a world-leading electric vehicle charging network and bring forward the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles to 2030.

We have written to the Prime Minister, the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy, Innovation and Skills (BEIS) with a five point “greenprint” to rebuilt the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said:  “This moment in time is pivotal on many levels, that’s why now its even more important to double down on climate action. 

“Coronavirus has demonstrated only concerted, focused effort can solve a crisis – and that goes for the climate emergency too.  

“We stand ready to invest billions in the coming years and want to play a key role in the UK’s recovery.

“We are unashamedly biased in promoting practical, deliverable solutions that could help unlock this investment from ourselves and others. 

“Our five-point action plan is focused on stimulating growth and investment to leave a legacy of a cleaner, more resilient UK economy for the future.”