Professor Janette Webb from the Infrastructure Commission says the target is challenging because the solution for heat is not yet clear.

We must focus on amassing evidence over the next five years and work on the development of district heating infrastructure, she adds.

Fabrice Leveque of Scottish Renewables calls for the 2030 target for heat to be realigned to match the 2045 net-zero emissions target.

Targets communicate to industry and consumers what we are aiming for, he adds, and says the sector is awaiting the update to the climate change plan.

Image source, bbc

Committee convener Gordon Lindhurst gets us underway by asking if there needs to be a new target for non-electrical heat demand or whether the recent climate change targets are sufficient.

Professor Keith Bell from the Committee on Climate Change replies the non-electrical heat demand is a useful instrument but it puts emphasis on biomoass, which is not the best way forward in the long term.

Prof Bell goes on to say that moves towards low carbon heating are useful.

Image source, Getty Images

The first annual energy statement, external was published by the Scottish government in May.

It provides an update on progress against the energy strategy, which was released in 2017.

The statement calls for "greater ambition and co-operative action from the UK government", while also committing to working with the private sector for solutions to challenges.

Image source, bbc

The committee is hosting a round table with:

• Professor Keith Bell of the Committee on Climate Change, external
• Professor Janette Webb from the Infrastructure Commission, external
• Euan McVicar of Ofgem, external
• Elizabeth Leighton of the Existing Homes Alliance Scotland, external
• Teresa Bray from Changeworks, external
• Fabrice Leveque from Scottish Renewables, external
• Anthony Kyriakides from the Energy Saving Trust Scotland, external

The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, external will begin shortly.

After undertaking some brief scrutiny of Brexit-related subordinate legislation, MSPs will consider the government's first energy statement, external.

It is hearing from experts including the Committee on Climate Change, the Infrastructure Commission and Scottish Renewables.

Click here for the committee papers., external

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to BBC Scotland's coverage of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 8 October 2019.

The energy committee is taking evidence from a range of stakeholders on the first annual energy statement this morning, which reports on the progress of the energy strategy.

Image source, Getty Images

After topical questions on biodiversity and Prestwick Airport, Brexit Secretary Mike Russell will update MSPs on preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit at the end of the month.

Then Islands Minister Paul Wheelhouse will make a statement on the proposed national islands plan.

MSPs move on to a debate on how to best support innovation, before SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald closes out the day with a member's business on 50 Years of the Institute of Occupational Medicine.