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Scotland 'beating renewable energy targets', SMP claims

25 December 2008

Scotland is on track to exceed its renewable energy targets, the Scottish National Party has claimed.

Over the past 12 months, the Holyrood government has passed a series of measures aimed at making Scotland a global green energy leader within the next decade.

And now, according to the SNP's energy minister Jim Mather, the latest official figures show that the potential offered by the country's strong tides and windy shorelines is being transformed into reality.

The statistics released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change reveal that more than a fifth of all electricity used in Scotland now comes from renewable sources, while gas and coal use continues to fall.

Mr Mather stated: "Scotland generates more energy from renewables than ever before, using our natural resources to reduce emissions and making a significant contribution to the Scottish economy.

"Our targets send a clear signal about the scale of our ambitions and there is a vast array of potential at Scotland's disposal, with commercial interest, and investment, in new tidal, wood fuel, water and wave energy schemes."

Though the news has been largely welcomed, WWF Scotland has noted that such renewable energy improvements need to be complemented by greater energy efficiency and the increased use of renewable heat.

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Author: Administrator User