Mather Aims for 50% of Electricity From Renewable Sources By 2020

The Scottish Government yesterday announced higher targets for the amount of electricity that comes from green sources.

Ministers want 31% of Scotland's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2011, and they have set a target of 50% of all electricity from renewables by 2020. That compares with the previous aim of having 40% of electricity generated from such sources by 2020.

The new target also takes into account transmission losses between the source of electricity and consumption, which can be about 12%.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said the ambitious target would encourage the development of new technology in the energy sector.

Speaking in advance of meetings in Brussels to update the European Union on Scotland's energy objectives, Mr Mather said: "In setting this ambitious 50% target, the Scottish Government is encouraging the development of low carbon technologies such as renewable energy, micro-generation, combined heat and power, carbon capture and storage while pursuing energy efficiency savings.

"Scotland is already a world leader in the energy and engineering sectors and is known for its innovation and talent" Mr Mather also insisted the absence of new nuclear power stations would not cause an energy gap in a Scotland, saying the county had the "natural resources and ingenuity to become a non-nuclear energy exporter".

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

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