New official statistics published today (27 March), show that Scotland's renewable electricity output is now at record levels.

The figures, released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, revealed that renewable electricity delivered 46% of Scotland's gross electricity consumption in 2013. At this rate, the country is currently on track to meet its interim target of 50% by 2015.

Renewable energy generated by wind was also at a record high in 2013, up to 36% on the previous year.

Commenting on the figures, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "These figures show that renewable electricity in Scotland is going from strength to strength, showing that 2013 was a record year for renewable generation in Scotland and that 2013 looks set to be even better.


"Scottish renewable generation made up approximately 32 per cent of total UK renewable generation in 2013 – showing that Scotland has some of the best natural resources.

"The Scottish Government's target is to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland's gross annual electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2020, as part of a wider, balanced, energy mix.

"These figures show that renewable generation in Scotland was at a record high last year, meeting around 46% of our electricity demand, and helping keep the lights on across these islands at a time when Ofgem are warning of the ever tightening gap between peak electricity demand and electricity supply."

He continued: "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.

"Our support for renewable generation, combined with energy efficiency measures, will help protect Scotland's consumers by keeping energy prices down in the long term."

(JP)