The amount of electricity generated from renewable sources in Scotland has jumped by nearly 50% in a single year.
Figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that renewable energy generation in Scotland in the first quarter of the year was 4,590 gigawatt hours (GWh), up 45.5% from the same period last year, an increase of 1,435 GWh.
The Scottish Government has set an ambitious target to generate all of Scotland’s electricity through renewable sources such as wind, wave and tidal by 2020.
Tayside and Fife are hoping the development of offshore wind turbines in the North Sea will trigger an economic boom.
Energy minister Fergus Ewing said: ”These figures show that renewable energy generation in Scotland is going from strength to strength.
”The increase of 45.5% in renewable output in quarter one 2012 compared to quarter one 2011 is particularly encouraging when you consider that 2011 saw the highest output from renewable energy to date.
”We are seeing great progress towards our goal of generating the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s electricity needs from renewables by 2020.
”Scotland has astounding renewable energy potential, and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring every community in Scotland benefits from the opportunities of renewable energy.”
Mr Ewing said the economic benefits of the renewable energy revolution are already being felt in Scotland.
”Projects representing £750 million of investment were switched on in 2011, with an investment pipeline of £46 billion,” he said.
”Industry figures show 11,000 people are employed in renewables in Scotland already, a figure which is set to grow.
”Since the turn of the year we have seen Gamesa invest in Leith creating around 800 new jobs, the Green Investment Bank being headquartered in Edinburgh and Samsung Heavy Industries announcing it will base its £100 million European offshore wind project in Methil, creating up to 500 jobs.
”Renewable energy is already delivering jobs, investment and opportunities for the people of Scotland.”
Jenny Hogan, director of policy at Scottish Renewables, said: ”These latest figures show yet again that renewable energy is becoming an ever important part of our energy mix.
”Renewable electricity sources mainly onshore wind but also hydro, biomass and other technologies are delivering power to homes and businesses across Scotland.
”Each time you boil a kettle in your home, more and more of that electricity will have been generated from a renewable source such as a windfarm.”
Dr Dan Barlow from WWF Scotland said: ”This big jump in Scotland’s renewable output is exciting news and keeps us on track to generate 100% of our electricity demand from renewables by 2020.
”To ensure Scotland remains on track to a fully renewable future, we need to see continued and rapid deployment of all forms of renewables alongside investment in energy efficiency. Such a path will help create jobs, reduce pollution and protect households from volatile fossil fuel prices.”