A report from 2009 has shown that Scotland now produces at least 27% of its power from renewable sources. The Energy trends publication revealed other successes for Scotland in 2009:
• Electricity generated in Scotland increased by 3% to 51,325 GWh
• 24% of electricity was exported from Scotland
• 20% increase in the amount of electricity from renewables
• Scottish renewables accounted for 43% of total UK renewable output
Roseanna Cunningham, the Scottish Climate Change Minister, said: “Scotland is blessed with abundant natural energy sources, particularly in our seas, and these figures follow a steady trend toward Scotland ‘s energy becoming greener and cleaner.”
While closing in on the 31% renewable power target for 2011, Scotland aims to reach 80% by 2050.There is now 7GW of renewable capacity installed and they have doubled the number of applications for energy projects in the past four years.
Ms Cunningham added: “The next ten years will be decisive for determining the pace of the renewable revolution and the transition to a low carbon future. We need the UK Government’s proposals to reform the electricity market to help, not hinder Scotland.”