By Steve Bargeton, political editor

MORE THAN half Scotland’s energy could come from renewable sources like wind and wave power by 2020—well ahead of Executive targets.

Ministers have set a target of 18% of electricity generated renewables by 2010, rising to 40% by 2020. But according to new research out yesterday from Scottish Renewables, a forum of 190 organisations and companies, these targets could be “smashed” with renewables providing 33% of electricity by 2010 and 54% by 2020.

Scottish Renewables chief executive Maf Smith said, “The renewables industry—wind, hydro, marine and biomass—has lived up to its promises and, with appropriate government policy and strategy in place, we will do our bit by providing at least half Scotland’s electricity needs by the target date of 2020.

“Now it is up to other energy providers to match our achievement in a way that also furthers the fight against climate change by reducing CO2 emissions—be it clean gas and coal, nuclear or whatever.”

But it was not all good news for the Executive with Mr Smith saying an extra £40 million was needed from the Executive, on top of the £20 million announced last month, if the goals were to be achieved.

The revised assessment was warmly welcomed across the political spectrum.

Scottish Green MSP Shiona Baird said, “This is further proof, if that were needed, that Scotland does not need new nuclear power stations.

“It just needs a government willing to pull out all the stops to ensure we generate and use clean, green, affordable energy.

“If the 2010 target is indeed met early, that is to be welcomed. However, this really is just the tip of the iceberg—just think what could be done if ministers gave marine power the kind of backing it has received in Portugal where Scottish expertise is now being used to develop the world’s first commercial wave farm.”

SNP energy and environment spokesman Richard Lochhead said, “This report is another in a long line to extol the virtues of renewables and spell out Scotland’s unrivalled potential to harness green energy. It is now time for the First Minister to stop sitting on the fence and accept that renewables, and not unneeded nuclear power, are the future for Scotland.

“This report demonstrates once and for all that we don’t need expensive, dangerous and dirty nuclear power as we have huge potential in wind, particularly offshore wind, wave, tidal, biomass and solar renewables.”

Lib Dem MSP Nora Radcliffe said, “Scotland is aiming to be a renewables powerhouse of Europe and the marine energy capital of the world…Liberal Democrats will continue to work to see Scotland meet our massive renewables potential, free from the threat of nuclear.”