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Renewable electricity energy delivered a record-breaking 46 per cent of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2013, having more than doubled since 2006.
According to figures released yesterday by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, renewable energy generated by wind was also at a record high in 2013, up to 36 per cent on the previous year.
The Scottish government said the figures confirmed Scotland is on track to meet its interim target to meet the equivalent of 50 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable electricity by 2015. Scotland has a 2020 target of 100 per cent.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Investment in Scottish renewable energy continues to grow. Between January 2010 and April 2013, the industry announced £13.1 billion of investment and over 9,000 associated jobs. Scotland leads the world in the development of marine energy technologies. There are more different wave and tidal power devices being developed and tested in Scotland than there are in any other country in the world.”
WWF Scotland welcomed the news but said it was crucial Scotland “maintained this momentum”.
Dr Sam Gardner, head of policy at WWF Scotland, said: “The offshore wind sector has a major role to play in hitting Scotland’s 2020 goal. While the recent consents in the Moray Firth were a welcome vote of confidence for the sector in Scotland, we need to see the necessary support from the UK Government to ensure we seize the full opportunities our windy waters present.”
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