Renewable energy output in Scotland is at a record high, new figures show.

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) found that that renewable electricity generation in Scotland was 4,590 gigawatt hours (GWh) in the first quarter of 2012, up 1,435 GWh on the same time last year.

Scotland’s Energy Minister Fergus Ewing welcomed the 45.5% increase, which followed an overall rise since 2006.

-- Advertisement --

The Scottish Government has set itself the ambitious target of meeting 100% of current energy needs through using renewables by 2020.

Mr Ewing said: "These figures show that renewable energy generation in Scotland is going from strength to strength. 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. Projects representing £750 million of investment were switched on in 2011, with an investment pipeline of £46 billion. Industry figures show 11,000 people are employed in renewables in Scotland already, a figure which is set to grow. Renewable energy is already delivering jobs, investment and opportunities for the people of Scotland."

(NE)