Scotland to smash renewable target

Scotland’s successful renewable programme is set to deliver on its target three years ahead of schedule, in a timely boost for the sector.

According to a report from industry body Scottish Renewables, the 2010 target of 18% will be met by the end of next year. Furthermore, continuing progress in the sector could lead to fulfilling more than half of the country’s electricity demands by 2020 – again, beating the target for that date (40%).

The developments were warmly praised by green NGO Friends of the Earth, which claimed the progress showed potential of renewables in reducing the need for nuclear.

"We share the renewable industry's bullish view on the scope for renewables in Scotland. Alongside action to improve energy efficiency this study makes it clear that there should be no room for a new nuclear power programme in Scotland. With its renewables targets on track, the Executive should warn Westminster that it will strongly oppose any attempts to impose new nuclear power stations on Scotland,” commented Chief Executive, Duncan McLaren.